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Travel Australia

G'Day! Cliche? Maybe. Unnecessary? Never. Welcome to the Land Down Under where you can find everything from rolling pastures in green Tasmania , to red dust in the Northern Territory to pristine Coral Reefs in Queensland .

With 6 states and 2 territories to choose from, you're spoiled for choice with Australia travel. With around 20,000kms of coastline to explore, finding the best beaches and marine life around makes that perfect beach selfie oh so easy. Or If you're looking for adventure, why not head for the Great Outdoors as you traverse through the iconic Red Centre and witness wild Kangaroos with a side of majestic sunsets. Tour Ayers Rock and see the magic of the Outback, learning about the fascinating Aboriginal culture and some of Australia's most remote locations. For the city vibes, head to the metropolitan hubs of Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Get your dose of Aussie wildlife at Australia Zoo, Port Lincoln Shark Diving, Kangaroo island and more! Don't worry, we've also got heaps of incredible coastal gems to choose from!  Sail the Whitsundays , drive the Great Ocean Road and snorkel the  Great Barrier Reef ! Do it all right here with Backpackers World Travel! We work hard to bring you the best Australia deals, tours and packages to make your holiday Down Under the very best. 

Fancy customising your own Australia travel? No worries! Drop us a line and work with one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday at your perfect budget. We package the best hostels, iconic locations, and best activities for all the best prices to make your dream holiday a reality. 

Top Australian Destinations

East Coast Packages

Cairns Tours

Whitsunday Islands & Airlie Beach Cruises & Tours

K'gari Fraser Island & Coast Tours

Brisbane & Surrounds

Byron Bay Tours

Sydney & Surrounds

Melbourne & Surrounds

Uluru & Red Centre Tours

Top End & Outback Packages

Tasmania Tours

Car and Campervan Hire

Top australian packages.

14 Day Melbourne to Darwin Tour - Outback Package

Brisbane to Cairns Budget Package (Or Reverse)

Cairns to Brisbane Budget Package (Or Reverse)

Sydney to Cairns Budget Package (Or Reverse)

Cairns to Sydney Budget Package (Or Reverse)

Brisbane to Cairns Express East Coast (Or Reverse)

Sydney to Cairns Bucket List Trip (Or Reverse)

Cairns to Sydney Bucket List Trip (Or Reverse)

Sydney to Cairns Essentials Tour (Or Reverse)

Cairns to Sydney Essentials Tour (Or Reverse)

Melbourne to Cairns Epic East Coast (Or Reverse)

10% Off Greyhound Flexi Bus Passes | MLB - SYD - BNE - CNS

Cairns to Melbourne Epic East Coast (Or Reverse)

Campervan Road Trip Brisbane - Cairns (Or Reverse)

Campervan Road Trip Package Cairns - Brisbane

Campervan Road Trip Sydney - Cairns (Or Reverse)

Campervan Road Trip Package Cairns - Sydney

Campervan Road Trip Cairns - Sydney (Or Reverse)

4 Day K'gari Fraser Island & Whitsundays Combo

Top australian activities.

2 Day 2 Night Whitsundays Sailing - Atlantic Clipper

1 Day Great Barrier Outer Reef Tour - Ocean Freedom

3 Day K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Tag Along Adventure - Dingos

1 Day Cape Tribulation Tour - Active Tropics

2 Day 2 Night Whitsundays Sailing Tour - New Horizon

3 Day Uluru Rock the Centre from Alice Springs - Adventure Tours

1 Day Whitsundays Cruise - Thundercat

2 Day K'gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Tag Along Adventure - Dingos

1 Day Waterfall and Rainforest Tour - Waterfall Wanderers

1 Day Remote K'gari (Fraser Island) Experience - Tasman Venture

1 Day Everglades Explorer - Everglades Ecosafaris

Skydive Airlie Beach with Beach Landing - Airlie Beach Skydivers

8 Day Adelaide to Uluru Adventure - Untamed Escapes

3 Day / 2 Night Whitsunday Sailing Adventure - Condor

3 Day Great Ocean Road Melbourne to Adelaide Explorer - Get Lost Travel

7 Day Perth to Exmouth & Return - Adventure Tours

Find your perfect experience....

Australia Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 1, 2024

Australia is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s known as a major backpacking, camping, road tripping, and diving destination.

Backpacking Australia is considered a “must do” for backpackers. It’s a central highlight on the round-the-world trail. I started coming to Australia in 2008 as a backpacker. It hooked me and, since then, I’ve visited over five times and have crisscrossed the country three times. Every single trip I discover something new about this country to love.

But this isn’t just a country for backpackers. Its huge diversity means every traveler can find something they love here.

Australia is filled with incredible natural beauty: Uluru and the Outback, rainforests and pristine white sand beaches, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and Opera House are iconic man-made wonders, and Melbourne’s café culture will make you feel like you’re relaxing in Europe . You have surfing, hiking, camping, boating, and a ton of other activities available to you. It makes some of the best wine in the world. Australia has it all.

However, the country’s size and limited transportation options, makes it hard to get around. And it’s not the cheapest place to visit, even if the currency is a tad weak right now.

Fortunately, this extensive Australia travel guide will show you how to save money, plan your trip, and make the most of your time Down Under. Because this country is worth taking the time to explore – and doesn’t need to cost a fortune!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Australia

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in australia.

1. See Sydney

Australia’s largest city has a range of activities to keep you busy. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, surf at Bondi Beach, party in King’s Cross, sail across the harbor, visit the Opera House, and take in world-class innovation in Darling Harbor. There’s a ton to see and do here and it’s worth spending a few days here to soak it all in. Other popular beaches nearby include Manly (wide and beautiful), Bronte (small and quiet), Coogee (fun), Palm (chill), and Dee Why (surfing). And, if you’re feeling adventurous, tours that climb the iconic (and massive) harbor bridge cost 250 AUD.

2. Visit Uluru

This beautiful red rock formed over 550 million years ago. Tourists have been visiting the rock since the 1930s and it’s of great spiritual importance to the local Aboriginal peoples. Formerly known as Ayers Rock, the best way to visit is by going as part of a multi-day tour of the area or driving on your own. You’ll be able to walk around the rock, learn about its cultural importance, and watch the rising/setting sun splash against it. Admission is 38 AUD per person and is valid for three days. Note: Climbing on the rock is prohibited.

3. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Don’t miss diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the largest living organism on Earth, spanning some 344,000 square kilometers (133,000 square miles). The reef is brimming with wildlife, including giant clams, manta rays, sharks, turtles, clown fish, and more! Cairns is the most popular jumping-off point for dive trips to the reef. I was blown away by the abundant wildlife and coral. It did not disappoint! Dive trips start around 230 AUD.

4. Explore Melbourne

Melbourne is much more relaxed than Sydney (and, personally, I like it more). This is the place to relax by the river, walk through the city gardens, eat amazing food, enjoy the art, and party in St. Kilda. It’s a fun, chill city with a youthful vibe and a ton of backpackers.

5. Sail the Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland. They’re one of the most popular destinations in the country. It’s a popular region for sailing trips and since the vast majority of these islands are designated national parks, you’ll find numerous pristine beaches and dive sites here. It’s a postcard-perfect region. Expect to pay between 399-499 AUD per person for a three-day/two-night sailing trip. While expensive, it’s worth doing (I loved my trip).

Other Things to See and Do in Australia

1. explore fraser island.

The world’s largest sand island is a popular spot for camping, swim, hike, and seeing dingoes. You can hire your own 4WD car or take an overnight tour through the island that’s famous for its freshwater lake (and dingoes). The island is beautiful and filled with lakes, hiking paths, and sweeping vistas. Sadly, you can’t go in the water nearby as it’s rough and full of sharks, but there’s plenty of fishing, cool sand dunes, the stunning 75 Mile Beach, and a cool shipwreck for snapping photos. Camping on the island is super cheap too (less than 10 AUD per night!).

2. Visit Cairns

Cairns is Australia’s gateway to northern Queensland. From here you can visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, and much more. Cairns is a pretty typical tropical city and life here focuses on taking the time to smell the roses. With so much to see, the city deserves a very long stay. Plan to visit for a week, which should give you enough time to explore the area and allows some downtime by the city’s awesome pool.

3. Wander Brisbane’s South Bank

Brisbane is a “business city.” Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, there isn’t a lot of “culture” here. But it’s a popular stop on the backpacker trail due to its location. Be sure to explore South Bank, which has some nice restaurants and decent pubs. There’s also an educational koala sanctuary here as well as a relaxing botanical gardens.

4. Hike the Daintree

The world’s oldest rainforest (yes, it’s older than the Amazon) offers hikes that range from easy to challenging, with dense jungles, beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife. Spend a few days hiking around and getting out of touristy Cairns. If you really want to get off the beaten path, head up to Cape Tribulation and enjoy some real peace and quiet (just watch out for jellyfish when you go swimming). There are all kinds of day and multi-day trips available here with two-day guided trips costing around 350 AUD per person.

5. See Perth

Perth is Australia’s west coast capital and is often overlooked by most travelers. It’s expensive to get out there from the east coast (it’s a 5-hour flight from Sydney) so most travelers avoid it. But I love it. In fact, it’s probably my favorite city in all of Australia. Perth feels more like a large town than a city and is the best place to have a “Sunday Session” (an Aussie tradition of drinking on Sunday afternoons). From the beaches, food, and beer (be sure to take a day trip to Freemantle), Perth is just awesome.

6. Explore the Outback

No trip to Australia is complete without a trip to the Outback to see crocodiles, valleys, lakes, and the red desert. Find your own Crocodile Dundee as you explore the Red Center and Western Australia. And be sure to visit some of the places I love: Karijini National Park, the Kimberleys, Kakadu, and Litchfield National Park. The landscapes are stunning and there are all kinds of epic hikes to enjoy.

7. Surf on the Gold Coast

Australia is famous for its surfing, and one of the best places to learn is on the Gold Coast near Brisbane. You’ll find world-class waves, a wide beach, and lots of available lessons. If you don’t like the Gold Coast , there is always Noosa, Byron Bay, Bondi Beach, Perth, and, well, you get the idea. There’s a lot of surfing in Australia! A two-hour group lesson costs around 75 AUD. If you don’t need lessons and just want to surf, you can rent a board for around 60 AUD per day.

8. Take a wine tour

Whether you go down to Margret River, Hunter Valley, or the Barossa Valley, you will have many chances to taste Aussie wine right from the source. Visiting the wine country should be on your list of things to do. If you rent a car, you can stay longer or you can do guided tours from major cities. I think it’s best to base yourself in the area and spend about 3-5 days in each area tasting as much wine as possible. Day tours with Colorful Trips that visit three wineries in the Hunter Valley cost 199 AUD.

9. Admire the Ningaloo Reef

The Great Barrier Reef gets all the hype, but the Ningaloo Reef on the west coast is a far better reef system. Because it’s less developed and attracts fewer tourists, there are actually more fish and wildlife here — you can even swim with whale sharks . Plus, at some points (like at Coral Bay), the reef comes so close to the shore that you can swim right up to it on your own. Half-day trips start around 120-225 AUD per person.

10. Visit Western Australia

The most overlooked area in the country is the west coast. Here you can escape the crowds of the east coast, explore the Outback, see the Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay (one of my favorite spots in the world), Broome, Perth, and the Margaret River. It’s much less developed than the east coast but if you take one piece of advice away from this guide, it should be to visit this part of Australia. It’s the version of the country you picture in your head and is an amazing region for road trips, camping, hiking, and enjoying nature.

11. Tour Tasmania

Despite everyone knowing its name, hardly anyone ever makes it down here. (It’s far from the main tourist trail.) Tasmania has amazing hikes, beautiful bays (Wineglass Bay being the most famous), small towns, and excellent people. It’s just a ferry away from Melbourne too. The island is about the size of Ireland (or West Virginia in the USA) yet it’s home to just under 545,000 people. If you have the time, explore this terribly under-visited part of the country. It’s amazing. The ferry from the mainland costs around 100 AUD each way and takes 9-11 hours.

12. Hike the Blue Mountains

Right outside of Sydney , the Blue Mountains are an awesome place to explore. Over millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. The area is free to visit and you can get there by train, which takes around two hours. Spend the day admiring the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) and hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. For a guided tour, Get Your Guide offers full-day wildlife-spotting tours for 155 AUD.

13. Learn about pearling in Broome

Broome used to be the largest pearling port in the world. Founded around 1880, pearls were an important commodity used for making cutlery, buttons, and jewelry. By 1900, there were 300 ships here, though the industry fell into decline during World War II (and then, after the war, plastic was invented, which diminished the need for pearls). You can learn all about the region’s rich history at the Pearl Lugger Museum (tours for 30 AUD). If you want a more hands-on experience, Willie Creek Pearls also offers a two-hour boat tour for 129 AUD. You’ll learn about the risks and challenges of the industry while also getting to hold and touch all kinds of valuable pearls.

14. Visit the Kimberley

This area is known for its wilderness, so if you love the outdoors and don’t mind things getting rugged, add this to your itinerary. Located near Broome, this outback region is three times bigger than England that’s filled with stunning gorges, beautiful waterfalls, and a vast desert landscape. It was one of the first areas settled in Australia some 65,000 years ago (Europeans didn’t arrive here in the 1830s). There are all kinds of day trips and hikes here that you can do solo, as well as multi-day guided tours. Expect to pay around 1,200 AUD for a three-day guided excursion. If you’re going solo, popular overnight hikes include Piccaninny Gorge and Lurujarri Dreaming Trail.

15. Explore Kakadu National Park

The enormous Kakadu National Park is a biodiverse nature reserve in Australia’s Northern Territory. It encompasses wetlands and rivers and is home to saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles, as well as many different bird species. Rock paintings (dating back to prehistory) can be viewed at Nourlangie, Nanguluwur, and Ubirr. You can find a lot of tours departing from Darwin. Be sure to spend at least a night in the park! Three-day tours cost around 735 AUD.

For more information on specific cities in Australia, check out these guides:

• Alice Springs Travel Guide
• Brisbane Travel Guide
• Broome Travel Guide
• Cairns Travel Guide
• Fraser Island Travel Guide
• Gold Coast Travel Guide
• Melbourne Travel Guide
• Perth Travel Guide
• Sydney Travel Guide
• Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Australia Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels dorms start around 25-30 AUD per night, though they get as high as 40 AUD in the big coastal cities. Private rooms with a double bed and a shared bathroom in hostels range between 65-100 AUD per night, though in larger cities they can be as high as 150 AUD. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities. Only some hostels include breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic tent plot without electricity starts around 7 AUD, though most are 10-25 AUD per night.

For budget hotels, expect to spend 100-120 AUD per night for a two-star hotel. Amenities usually include TV, Wi-Fi, and AC. Some hotels have a pool.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting around 40 AUD (though they average closer to 90 AUD). Entire homes/apartments cost at least 140 (though they are usually double or even triple that price so be sure to book early). Expect to pay about 10-20% more in the coastal cities.

Food – Food in Australia is diverse, with each region having its own specialties. While you can find cuisine of all types here, popular traditional choices include BBQ meat (especially sausages), meat pies, fish and chips, seafood, chicken parmigiana (chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese), and, of course, the infamous vegemite on toast.

Food prices vary per region, but generally, you can expect to pay 20-25 AUD for a meal at a casual restaurant. A fast-food combo from somewhere like McDonald’s costs 13-14 AUD while a pizza costs around 16-20 AUD. Chinese, Thai, and Indian food cost 12-20 AUD for a main dish.

If you want to splash out for something more upscale, a expect to pay around 55-70 AUD, including a drink, per person.

A beer is around 8 AUD, latte or cappuccino costs around 5 AUD, and bottled water between 2-3 AUD.

If you cook your own meals, expect to pay around 75-95 AUD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Australia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Australia for 70 AUD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a cheap hostel, cooking all of your meals, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly cheap or free activities like hiking and enjoying the beaches. If you camp, you can lower this budget by around 20 AUD per day. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 200 AUD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or hostel room, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, bus between cities, and do more paid activities like taking surf lessons or going diving.

On a “luxury” budget of 385 AUD or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or camper van to explore, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Australia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Australia can be a very expensive country to visit. If you aren’t careful, you’ll blow through your entire budget in no time as activities, food, and transportation all adds up fast here. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to save too. Here are some ways to save money when you visit Australia:

• Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time. Drink this before you go out and save on spending money at the bar.
• Cook your own meals – The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. Hostels and Airbnbs usually have kitchens and, while it’s not glamorous, it will save you a ton of money!
• Car share – Australia is a big country that can be expensive to get around. If you are traveling with friends, it’s smart to buy a used car or campervan (or rent a new one from one of the many rental companies in the country) and split the costs of gas. You can also hitch a ride with other travelers using sites like Gumtree, Jayride, or hostel message boards.
• Book tours as a package – This country has a lot of exciting activities and tours that eat into any budget. Booking activities together through a hostel or tour agency can get you a discount and save you hundreds of dollars.
• Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the opportunity to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed to sleep in. Commitments vary but most hostels ask that you stay for at least a week. Check with the staff when you arrive to see if there are any opportunities available.
• WWOOF – WWOOFing is a program that allows you to work on organic farms in exchange for free room and board. Everyone I’ve met who stays in the country long-term does it for at least one month. It’s a great way to reduce your expenses and can a deeper look into local life.
• Stay with a local – Accommodation in Australia is pricey. If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that will host you for free. It’s the best way to connect with a local and get insider tips and advice.
• Camp – Camping is very affordable here, with basic tent plots costing as little as 7 AUD per night!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where To Stay in Australia

I’ve been a backpacker here for ages and have accumulated a long list of places to stay. Here are my suggested places to stay in Australia if you’re looking for a hostel:

• Base St. Kilda (Melbourne)
• Space Hotel (Melbourne)
• Wake Up! (Sydney)
• YHA Rocks (Sydney)
• Bunk Brisbane (Brisbane)
• City Backpackers HQ (Brisbane)
• Kimberley Travellers Lodge (Broome)
• The Shiralee Hostel (Perth)
• Aquarius Backpackers (Byron Bay)
• Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns (Cairns)
• Nomads Noosa (Noosa)
• Alice Lodge Backpackers (Alice Springs)

How to Get Around Australia

Public transportation – All of Australia’s cities have reliable, affordable public bus systems. In the bigger, cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, you’ll even find subways and tram systems. This is the cheapest way to travel the cities. Fares cost between 2.75-4 AUD.

Many cities offer day passes that include unlimited public transportation for under 10 AUD.

Bus – After driving, this is my favorite transportation option in Australia. On the east coast, this will be your cheapest option too. On the west coast, buses are surprisingly expensive as there are not many people moving up and down that coast and there’s limited competition. However, on the east coast, you can find really cheap bus tickets, especially if you book in advance.

The two main bus companies in Australia are:

• Greyhound Australia

Greyhound also offers several bus passes. Their Whimit Passes range from 15-120 days of unlimited travel and are perfect for traveling around on a whim (hence the name). They come in 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120-day passes costing 349-729 AUD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Backpacker Bus – If you want to party with other backpackers as you travel, book a seat on the Magic Bus . This backpacker bus departs with 25 backpackers aged 18-35 for 3-4 weeks of exploring the country’s national parks, camping, bonfires, and non-stop parties and shenanigans.

Trips go from Perth north to Broome or east to Melbourne each month, so you have to time your trip accordingly to line up with the set departure. The itineraries are always flexible so every trip is unique. They try to keep a balance of 50% men and 50% women, as well as a balance of different nationalities, so there is always a diverse group. Prices vary so contact them for departure dates and ticket prices.

Train – Between city trams, commuter trains, and long-distance and trans-continental trains, Australia can be seen extensively by rail. Train lines exist mostly on the east coast with only two other major lines in the country: one goes north/south from Melbourne to Darwin and another east/east from Sydney to Perth.

For reference, Sydney to Canberra takes 5 hours and is 40-50 AUD while the 11-hour trip from Sydney to Melbourne costs over 200 AUD. Sydney to Brisbane takes 14 hours and costs 100-140 AUD.

Beyond the east coast, trains aren’t as plentiful and long-distance trains can be very expensive.

Flying – With Australia spanning over 7,000,000 square kilometers, it takes a long time to get around the country. Flying is one of the most efficient ways to city hop, but it’s not the cheapest. Australia’s major airlines include:

When booked in advance, flights can be very affordable here. Sydney to Melbourne is just 55 AUD and takes 90 minutes while Sydney to Cairns takes 3 hours and costs around 100 AUD each way. To cross the country, flights last around 5 hours. Sydney to Perth, when booked in advance, can cost as little as 150 AUD each way.

When not booked early, however, flights can easily double or triple these prices.

Rideshares – Every hostel has a bulletin board where travelers post rides and websites like Gumtree have active ridesharing sections where people look for cars or riders. I HIGHLY recommend this way of traveling when in the country. CoSeats is another good resource for finding rides.

Car rental – Car rentals start around 40 AUD per day. You don’t need one to explore any of the cities but if you want to travel the country then a car is best. Just remember that they drive on the left here.

Additionally, you can also purchase a car from backpackers leaving the country or locals selling used cars. You can usually find a used car for under 3,000 AUD. It might seem a lot, but there are always backpackers looking to share rides, which can cut down on our expenses.

When to Go to Australia

Temperatures vary across the country (it’s a huge landmass after all), but generally speaking, average summer temperatures range from 20-37°C (68-99°F). Remember that summer is from December-February here in the southern hemisphere. This is the most popular time to visit so expect big crowds and higher prices.

June-August (winter) is the low season. Prices are lower and there are fewer crowds. The temperature dips as well, hovering around 1°C (52°F) in the south while going as high as 30°C (86°F) in the north.

Spring and fall (March-May and September-October) are the shoulder season and the best time to visit. Crowds aren’t as big and prices aren’t as high and the weather is still enjoyable too, rarely dipping below 17°C (63°F).

Note that October to April is also “jellyfish season,” making waters unsafe for swimming or any other water sport. If you’re planning on enjoying Australia’s coast, this probably isn’t the best time to come. The season lasts from October to April in Northern Australia, and then from November to March elsewhere.

How to Stay Safe in Australia

Australia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks and petty theft are rare here so you’re unlikely to get into trouble.

Most incidents in Australia tend to occur because visitors are not used to the country’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. This is especially true if you’re driving through the Outback. There are long, long distances without any towns in sight, so if you break down, you’ll want to be prepared. Always make sure you have enough gas in your vehicle for long drives.

If you’re hiking, make sure you know what to expect ahead of time. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

If you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

Mother Nature in Australia is NOT a force to be reckoned with in this country. Don’t be a hero.

Solo female travelers are generally safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult other solo female travel blogs for specific advice.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in Australia though so I wouldn’t worry too much here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Australia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Australia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more information? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

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Complete Guide to Backpacking Australia and Travel Itineraries

Growing up I always pictured Australia as a massive country that is barren and remote with a few beaches mixed in. The hit classic Crocodile Dundee left this major impression on an 8-year-old me. If I had to choose a few words to describe Australia, I would have chosen outback, beach, bikini, and surf. To be honest, these preconceived notions did not excite me a lot.

Coming from the US, I expected Australia to have some similarities to our home country. The cities would be full of skyscrapers. The culture would be mostly non-existent and dull. I did expect some differences from the US. There would be no mountains. The food would be bad. What is this Vegemite stuff Aussies rave about? To be honest, Australia wasn’t high on my list of places to visit. However, after years of traveling, we decided it was time to visit the land Down Under.

We spent three months backpacking in Australia. After purchasing a Subaru in Sydney, we hit the road. Visiting every state not called Western Australia, we saw Australia in a whole new light. Not only was it full of surprises, but the beauty was also overwhelming and we did not want to leave. All of those preconceived ideas and beliefs were so wrong.

Australia is the perfect place for epic road trips and an awesome backpacking destination. At the end of our trip, if I had to again choose four words to describe Australia, they would be outback, beach, bikini, and surf. But it means so much more to me now. Cheers mates!

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

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Australia Backpacking Guide

Best time to visit australia.

Australia is a massive country that has different climates throughout the year. Depending on the place for travel, planning according to the season is crucial.

North Australia  – The best time to visit Queensland , the Northern Territory, and the northern part of Western Australia are during the winter months between June and September. The north is either tropical or arid. It gets extremely hot in the summer and many areas are prone to tropical storms. Roads in the north can be closed in the summer due to annual flooding.

South Australia  – The best time to visit New South Wales , South Australia, Tasmania , and the southern part of Western Australia is during the summer months between November and April. Believe it or not, Australia does get winter and it even snows in the mountains. Both Melbourne and Sydney get cold in the winter. If traveling during this time, don’t forget a jacket.

Visa to Australia

There are several visa options depending on the intended length of stay, age, and home country. For more information, please refer to the  Australia visa and immigration website  for all their visa options. These are the common visa options for visitors to Australia:

• Electronic Travel Authority visa:  Available for passport holders from the United States, Canada, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, or South Korea. It costs $20 AUD. Visa holders are eligible for stays up to 3 months, with unlimited entries into Australia for the duration of the visa.  Learn more about the Electronic Travel Authority visa .
• eVisitor visa:  Available for passport holders from Europe. It is a free visa and is valid for 12 months. Visa holders are eligible for stays up to 3 months, with unlimited entries into Australia for the duration of the visa.  Learn more about the eVisitor visa here.
• Visitor visa:  With a passport from countries not eligible for an ETA visa or eVisitor visa, a visitor visa will have to be procured. The visa cost ranges from $120 AUD to $1,000 AUD and has options of 3, 6, or 12-month visas.  Learn more about the Visitor visa here .
• Working Holiday visa:  With a passport from an eligible country and under the age of 31, it is possible to get a one-year visa. This is popular for backpackers looking to work and then travel in Australia.  Learn more about the Working Holiday visa here.

Currency and Banking

The Australian Dollar ($ AUD) is the national currency in Australia. It is historically a strong currency, although it saw some recent declines in 2017. Banks and ATMs are widespread throughout the country. National chains, including ANZ and Westpac, are available in nearly every town. Most ATMs charge a $2 – $3 fee when using another bank card. At the time of writing in August 2018, $1 AUD = $0.74 USD or €0.64.

Transportation in Australia

Australia is massive in size so determining the right transportation in Australia is critical. For short stays, fly between major cities or rent a vehicle. For longer stays, renting or buying a vehicle is the best option.

Bus Transportation

Bus companies such as  Firefly Express and Greyhound offer direct route services as well as tours. They are flexible with hop-on hop-off packages. Direct bus routes between major cities cost between $75 AUD and $150 AUD. Tours can range from 3 days to 16 days. For example,  Oz Experience  (Greyhound) offers a 13-day tour from Melbourne to Cairns for $1029 AUD.

Domestic Flights

Cheap airlines such as  Jetstar  and  Virgin Australia  fly between major cities for cheap fares as low as $40. Make sure to pay attention to their baggage policies, especially their carry-on weight restrictions. They are known to physically weigh carry-on baggage at check-in and only allow 7 kg.

Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

Renting a Campervan in Australia

Renting a vehicle makes sense for short and some longer stays in Australia. There are options to rent small vehicles or campervans. Australia has many campgrounds, including free ones throughout the country. Renting a campervan would double as accommodation.

Renting a smaller car would require stays in Airbnb, hostels, hotels, or tent camping. Hire a campervan from  Jucy ,  Hippie Camper , or  Britz  while touring Australia, allowing greater flexibility on an itinerary. Campervans will end up saving money. Campervan rentals cost between $400 and $700 per week depending on the size and quality.

Buying a Car or Campervan in Australia

For those coming to Australia for longer periods, buying a vehicle will likely make sense. Buying a car in Australia is confusing and it is important to understand all the anticipated costs. Try and find a good vehicle that does not become a burden. Don’t buy the cheapest option available, it might not get you very far!

Reliable cars are found on Gumtree, where you can find used vehicles with only one prior owner. On the low-end, a budget between $4,000 – $6,000 is enough for a Subaru station wagon, a converted campervan (people movers), or an older 4×4. Don’t get scared away by a higher price tag just yet. When finished with a road trip, you can sell the car, making this a cheaper option than renting a vehicle. The key is getting the vehicle checked out properly to ensure the mechanics are sound.

Backpacking in Australia

Australia is a backpacker haven. There is a massive backpacker community in Australia whether it is a 2-week road trip, three months, or a year-long excursion on a working visa. Hostels and dorm beds are available throughout the country, and renting or buying a campervan is a good choice to explore all the sights.

There are free campsites all over Australia, so while the costs of food and a dorm room are not as cheap as in other regions of the world, there are ways to reduce costs and make this an affordable backpacking destination. There are useful Facebook groups and community boards for connecting with other backpackers. This is a great way to join others on road trips to share the costs of a car and petrol.

Food in Australia

Food in Australia is known for its meat pies, fish and chips, and BBQ. A cheap meal in Australia is usually around $10 AUD. This can get you fast food or takeaway. We preferred to cook our own meals while in Australia, buying our groceries from Woolworths/Coles and cooking at our campsite each night. Cooking will save lots of money while traveling in Australia. However, with a higher budget, the restaurants in cities are super delicious.

Example Costs in Australia

Petrol – typically ranges between $1.20 and $1.50 per liter, but can get as expensive as $2.00 in the outback. Beer (6pk) – $18 – $24 Cask wine (goon) – $12 – $18 (2L to 5L depending on quality) Wine (bottle) – $7 – $12 Takeaway – $8 – $15 Coffee – $5 Dorm bed – $25 – $30

Apps for Australia

There are two apps to download before heading to Australia.  Campermate  is a free app that provides information on campsites, things to see, petrol, and lots more.  WikiCamps Australia  is a paid app that has tons of information and user comments. Download the comments so everything is available offline. WikiCamps has an extensive list of campsites and comments to help provide information and suggestions. It is a one-time cost of $7.99 AUD.

The 7 Best Places to Visit in Australia

1. see the islands of queensland.

Queensland is a popular destination for both backpackers and Aussies during the holidays. There are some pretty amazing places to visit, such as the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, or the Great Barrier Reef. Whitsunday was one of our favorite places in all of Australia. If you like beach camping this is the place to do it!

Queensland could be a road trip on its own, but we suggest making this part of a bigger trip. While the sights are incredible, with long drives on the highway and fewer coastal sights than expected, it would be great to visit other areas of Australia too. For the top places to visit in Queensland and suggested itineraries, check out our  Queensland guide .

2. Offroad in the Outback

The middle of Australia in most cases is nothing more than barren lands with dusty and flat horizons. Views are as far as the eye can see. And then suddenly out of nowhere, something appears and completely stuns you with its existence. A visit to the Red Center is one of the more memorable places in Australia.

Stops at Kings Canyon, the West MacDonald ranges, Devils Boulders, and the rock formations at the Breakaways Conservation Park were oh, so impressive. The grand finale, Uluru, is a place that no picture can truly capture. It is a spiritual place with amazing beauty that left us speechless.

The Outback is a serious place and takes some planning, but the campfire nights, starry skies, and endless deserts are remarkable. For more information on the top places to visit and suggested itineraries, check out our  Outback survival guide .

3. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living organism on earth and extends from Bundaberg up to Papua New Guinea. Nearly two million people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year, and you should too. While there is damage to the reef and coral bleaching is occurring at an alarming rate, there is no better time to visit the reef than now. It is still one of the best snorkel and dive locations on earth.

Tours typically originate from Cairns, the most accessible location to the reef. Diving or snorkeling trips to the outer reef are a must! We loved our two days and one-night trip with Coral Sea Dreaming. Read more about our sailing and dive excursion to the  Great Barrier Reef .

4. See the Sights on the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is known mostly for the 12 Apostles, but there is so much more to see. This is one of the best road trips in Australia. The coastline has sections of the drive directly along the ocean. Rock formations erupt from the ocean floor creating endless amounts of photo opportunities. The desolate beaches are incredible to explore.

Cape Otway is smack in the middle of the GOR, a nice detour through a rainforest with some of Australia’s best waterfalls. One of our lasting memories was the amazingly cute Koalas that can be seen in the wild. From wildlife, waterfalls, beaches, rock formations, and scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trips in Australia. Read more about the  Great Ocean Road  and all the top places to stop.

5. Explore New South Wales

Millions of people visit New South Wales every year, which isn’t a surprise since Sydney is the largest city and has the largest airport in Australia. Sydney is a cool metropolis with amazing beaches, but venturing away will lead to a very gratifying experience. If there was an award for hidden gems and the least talked  about beaches and rock pools , NSW would be right at the top of the list.

From Royal National Park, Kiama, and the Bombo Headlands, there is so much to explore. Epic views and hiking in the  Blue Mountains  top the list of what to see. With the whitest sand in the world, Jervis Bay is worth the 3-hour drive from Sydney. There are so many reasons to check out New South Wales. Read our guide to the best places to visit in  New South Wales .

6. Go Hiking in Tasmania

Often looked at as the redheaded step-sibling of mainland Australia, Tasmania has so much raw beauty and mountainous terrain that cannot be offered anywhere else. We wonder why Aussies seem to dismiss Tasmania as a place to visit. Maybe they are just jealous. Tassie coastlines are some of the best in the country, especially the Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet, and the Bay of Fires.

Hiking is plentiful with options ranging from easier day walks to extremely advanced treks in the remote wilderness. Some of the best walks are Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap, Pine Valley, and the Western Arthurs. Tasmania is the place to be in Australia for solitude and incredible nature. Check out our  Tasmania guide  for the top places to visit and the best hikes.

7. Get off the Beaten Path in Western Australia

By far, the most remote and unique landscapes in Australia belong to Western Australia. It is home to only 2.5 million people but with 2.6 million sq kilometers to explore. Western Australia would be in the top 10 in size if it were its own country. It offers a different vibe and experience for touring Australia.

Driving is extremely long, but the highlights make up for the long distances. It is important to have a proper car, gear, and time to visit Western Australia. Known for the best beaches in Australia, one of the best reefs in the world, and massive canyons, Western Australia has tons to offer. Some of the highlights are Margaret River, the Kimberleys, Broome, Karajini, snorkeling or diving at the Ningaloo Reef, Purnululu, Rottnest Island, William Bay National Park, and Esperance among many others!

Should You Go to Australia?

Absolutely! Australia has so much diversity and natural beauty that it could take decades to truly explore every nook and corner of this massive country. It’s best to visit for at least two to three weeks and pick a smaller area to explore more in-depth. While it is common to think it is possible to rush through Australia and see the entire country, the driving distances are very long and take a toll. With that said, below are some suggested itineraries based on the length of stay.

Suggested Itineraries & Road Trips for Australia

1-week road trip options in australia.

• Visit the Sydney attractions, explore the coastline in Royal National Park and hike in the Blue Mountains.
• Drink coffee and check out the graffiti in Melbourne before an epic Great Ocean Road trip.
• Fly to Alice Springs and visit the best of the Outback: Uluru, Macdonald Ranges, and Kings Canyon.
• Road trip from Brisbane to Airlie Beach visiting Fraser Island and the Whitsundays.

2-Week Road Trip Options in Australia

• Check out the Sydney attractions and drive down the coast to the Great Ocean Road visiting Royal National Park, Jervis Bay, Bombo Headlands, Melbourne, and the GOR.
• Explore Melbourne and then a road trip to the Great Ocean Road followed by a few days hiking in the Grampians and finish off visiting wine country in Adelaide.
• Road trip from Brisbane to Cairns with stops at Noosa, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, Wallaman Falls, the waterfall circuit, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest.
• Explore all the best sights of the Outback around Alice Springs (Uluru, West Mcdonald Range, and Kings Canyon) and then drive up to Darwin to explore the parks in Northern NT.
• Visit the top sights in Tasmania from the Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet, Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain, Mount Field, and a multi-day hike.

One-Month Itinerary Options for Australia

• Drive from Sydney to Cairns visiting New South Wales and Queensland.
• Explore two weeks in Queensland and drive to Adelaide with two weeks in the Outback.
• Venture out west driving from Perth to Darwin.
• See all the best sights of Tasmania from the two-week trip, plus add on several epic multi-day treks, such as Mount Anne, Western Arthurs, Frenchmans Cap, the Overland Track, or Pine Valley.

that’s it – have a wonderful time exploring Australia!

Planning a trip to Australia? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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The ultimate backpackers guide to Australia

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with an awesome backpacking journey through the vast and beautiful landscape of Australia. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of this amazing country, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

From the stunning natural wonders of Sydney to the vibrant cultural scene in Melbourne , Australia has something for every backpacker seeking an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for?

Essential travel tips for backpackers

Exploring the vast and diverse landscapes of Australia through backpacking is truly thrilling! This beautiful country offers a plethora of unique experiences for backpackers of all levels. Whether you prefer pristine beaches or ancient rainforests, vibrant cities or remote outback regions, Australia has something for everyone.

Before embarking on your backpacking adventure in Australia, it’s important to make some essential preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

1. Research the sights and experiences

Take the time to research and become acquainted with Australia’s geography, climate , and various regions. Discover the distinct characteristics of each state and territory, from Queensland’s stunning beaches to the Outback’s rugged landscapes. Learn about Australia’s cultural heritage and indigenous history, which shape its identity. Visit famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef.

2. Make sure you have your visa

If you plan on backpacking in Australia, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to obtain a visa. There are many types of visas when travelling to Australia. For example; Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417 and 462), for example, allow backpackers to work legally, earn money, and immerse themselves in the Australian way of life. 

• Check out our detailed Visa guide

3. Make a plan for your journey

To make the most of your backpacking trip in Australia, plan your itinerary beforehand. Determine the length of your trip and the areas you want to visit. From cosmopolitan cities to remote natural wonders, Australia has something for everyone. Investigate well-known destinations such as Sydney , Melbourne , Darwin , and Perth , as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. Australia is huge, consider the distance between locations and transportation options.

4. Pack the essentials

When packing for your Australian adventure, keep in mind the diverse climate and activities you’ll encounter. Pack weather-appropriate clothing, including lightweight and breathable fabrics, because the weather is frequently warm and sunny. To protect yourself from the harsh Australian sun, bring essentials such as comfortable shoes, bathers, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pack warm layers, a jacket, and insect repellent depending on the time of year and your planned activities. Don’t forget your backpack!

Things to do in Australia

Australia is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers, with a diverse range of exciting activities and unforgettable experiences. There is something for everyone, from exploring breathtaking national parks to diving into the Great Barrier Reef.

National parks and outdoor adventures

Coastal adventures

Australia’s massive coastline provides endless possibilities for coastal adventures and water sports. Visit Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach, catch a wave on the iconic Gold Coast, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Whitsundays. Dive enthusiasts can explore the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant underwater world, while thrill seekers can try their hand at activities such as skydiving, jet skiing, and paddleboarding along the coast.

Encounters with wildlife

Australia is famous for its diverse and unique wildlife. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with native animals, from cuddling koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos in wildlife sanctuaries to spotting crocodiles in the wild. Visit Kangaroo Island to see sea lions basking on the beaches, venture into Queensland’s rainforests to spot colourful birds and elusive platypuses, or take a whale-watching tour to see these marine giants migrate.

Cultural and urban exploration

The vibrant cities of Australia offer plenty of cultural and urban experiences. Explore Sydney’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s thriving arts and food scene, discover Adelaide’s historical charm, or stroll through Brisbane’s lively laneways. Visit museums and art galleries, eat multicultural cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Australia’s urban hubs.

Food and drinks

$20 - $40 aud, accommodation, transportation, $10 - $30 aud, activities and experiences, miscellaneous, $10 - $20 aud, total daily expenses, $70 - $160 aud.

Remember, by carefully managing your expenses, you can make the most of your backpacking adventure in Australia without sacrificing the incredible experiences that await you. With a friendly budget in hand, you’re all set to explore Australia’s stunning landscapes, engage with its vibrant culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!

Budgeting for your trip

We get it. Budgeting isn’t fun, but managing your expenses while embarking on an unforgettable backpacking journey is crucial and could extend your trip even further so, let’s take a realistic approach as we break down the daily costs you might encounter during your adventure in Australia.

Must-see backpacker spots

From stunning natural wonders to vibrant cultural hotspots, we’ve handpicked these gems that should be at the top of your list to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders, must be seen on any trip to Australia. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers snorkelers and scuba divers a rainbow of coral reefs and marine life. Swim with tropical fish and admire the reef’s coral formations. Cairns and Port Douglas offer reef cruises and diving tours to explore this unique ecosystem.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s Red Centre is sacred and incredible. Ayers Rock, or Uluru, is an iconic desert monolith. Explore Uluru’s walking trails, see its stunning sunrise and sunset colours, and learn about the Indigenous Anangu people. Kata Tjuta, a group of domed rock formations, offers breathtaking hiking and a chance to experience the spirituality of the Outback.

Whitsunday Islands

The tropical Whitsunday Islands off Queensland should are perfect for relaxation and adventure with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Yacht through the Whitsunday Islands or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach’s swirling sands are a must-see. Relax, sunbake, and enjoy the Whitsundays in this tranquil paradise.

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INTRO TRAVEL

the ultimate guide to

Backpacking australia, backpacking in australia.

Backpacking in Australia is an amazing experience. From the white sandy beaches and tropical islands, to the incredible natural beauty of the outback, to vibrant cities and country towns, there's an unlimited number of adventures you can have in this truly incredible country!

And whether you're going for a short holiday, a gap year or an extended working holiday, you'll have so many unforgettable experiences that, like many people, you'll never want to leave.

We've put together this Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Australia, which is full of practical advice, useful tips and plenty of inspiration to help you get the most out of your trip and to show you just some of the mind-blowing, life-changing experiences you can have on your backpacking adventure Down Under.

Before You Go

When you arrive, why you should go.

Work in Australia

Travel in australia, stay in australia.

At INTRO Travel we've been helping backpackers with everything they need to work, travel and live in Australia since 2005.

Check out our working holiday and gap year packages for Australia .

And for more useful hints and tips check out our free Ultimate Guide to Backpacking in Australia .

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Backpacking Australia – Everything You Need To Know Before You Go (2023 Update)

Planning on backpacking Australia? Here’s everything you need to know about East Coast Australia so you can make the most of it!

Backpacking Australia is a right of passage for backpackers – the Sydney to Cairns route is one of the most popular travel trails in the world – and with  over 2,400km to cover there’s a lot of things to take into account when planning a trip there!

So if you’re busy planning your backpacking Australia trip here’s everything you need to know – click on the links for more in depth posts and to check out some of the trips and tours I recommend!

Backpacking Australia – Everything You Need To Know

Sydney to cairns or cairns to sydney.

One of the most common questions I get asked about the East Coast of Australia is which way around should you travel – Sydney to Cairns or Cairns to Sydney?

Well to be honest there are a few main things you should keep in mind when planning which way around to travel the East Coast of Australia;

• Time of year
• Travel time
• Onward travels
• Key dates/events

1. Time of Year

I’m guessing you’re heading to Australia to make the best of the sunshine and beaches, so you’ll want to be following the best of the weather!

Despite what you think that Aussie winter (May > August) can get quite cold down in spots like Sydney and Melbourne, so ideally you’ll want to hit those up in the warmest months you’re there.

So if you land in March I’d say start at the bottom and work up, whereas if you land in August you’ll be best off starting in Cairns and working your way down as the southern parts of the country warm up

2. Travel Time

Along with the time of year you’re travelling the amount of time you’re spending on the East Coast will play a part too.

If you’ve only got 2 weeks then it’s not going to make a huge difference which way around you go weather wise.

One the other hand if you have 3-4 months then it’s going to play a big part as the weather will definitely be changing a lot, so keep that in mind alongside your time of year.

3. Onward Travel

I know you’re planning Australia at the moment, but where are you heading next? It’s worth looking into onward flights as Cairns and Sydney offer different options, airlines and routes.

If you’re flying into Australia on a return ticket you can also do what’s call and open jaw flight – where you fly into one destination and out of another on the same ticket. It’s worth comparing that with a standard return to see if it saves you any money (both ways around) and that might decide your trip for you.

With this its worth keeping in mind low cost airlines like JetStar and Virgin Australia offer cheap flight between Sydney and Cairns so it may also be worth flying between the two for your onward flight as well depending on the prices.

4. Key Dates/Events

Big dates like NYE in Sydney, festivals like Bluesfest in Byron Bay or a birthday might also impact where you start your trip. There’s no point starting in Cairns on Dec 20th if you want to be in Sydney for New Year is there?

Grab a calendar and mark in key dates you want to be places and you could quickly find it decides where you should start your Aussie adventure.

The Best Places To Visit

So what are the best places to visit in Australia along the Sydney to Cairns route? Well here are some of my favourites that you should definitely fit into your plans:

• Rainbow Beach
• Fraser Island
• Airlie Beach
• Magnetic Island
• Mission Beach
• Cape Tribulation

…oh and Melbourne if you’re extending your trip to include that as well, which is well worth it!

Check out my full East Coast destination guide here for more info

The Best Way To Travel When Backpacking Australia?

With such a huge distance to cover figuring out the best way to travel in Australia for your style and of course budget can be tricky.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular options for those backpacking Australia;

1. Greyhound Australia Bus – this is the most popular option, with their hop on and hop off passes ideal for those on a set route. Currently they’re running either the WHIMit Passes (ideal for longer trips and those looking to make full use of the extensive bus network) or the East Coast Passes (perfect for trips of up to 30 days between Melbourne and Cairns).

2. Premier Bus – the cheaper alternative to the Greyhound the main difference is the fact Premier only have one departure per day. They do however have a few more options on passes, so it’s worth checking them out.

Click here for more info and to book your Greyhound, Premier or Stray Australia Passes

4. Campervan Hire – I loved campervanning around Australia and there are a huge range of campervan hire option to choose from. This can get pricey if you’re travelling for a long time though or in peak season.

Click here for cheap campervan hire in Australia

5. Buy a car/campervan – for those with a bit more cash or staying in Australia for longer buying a car or campervan is also something worth considering.

Check out my full rundown of the best ways to travel Australia here for more info

Where to Stay?

Australia has the full array of accommodation options and you’re pretty spoilt for choice for where to stay when you’re backpacking  Australia, but here are 3 of the most popular options;

The mainstay of backpackers and budget travellers there’s everything from huge 16 bed dorm rooms to more flashpacker style hostels, certainly the most popular option for most people backpacking Australia.

Some of my top Australia hostel picks include;

• WakeUp! Sydney
• The Surf House, Byron Bay
• Aquarius Byron Bay
• Byron Bay YHA
• Flashpackers, Noosa
• Nomads Airlie Beach
• Nomads Magnetic Island (formerly Base)
• Bungalow Bay YHA, Magnetic Island
• Gilligans, Cairns

With such a huge tourism industry there’s also a huge array of hotels to choose from all over Australia – again for every style and budget.

Click here to check out Booking.com and the options available.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different or to meet some locals along the way there’s thousands of Air B n B properties across Australia to choose from as well.

Whether you want a to rent a whole house for a few days or stay with a local family Air B n B is a great shout for travelling Australia.

Plus click here to save $39 on your first Air Bn B booking!

Download my Ultimate Guide to Australia for heaps more hostel recommendations

How Long Should It Take Backpacking Australia?

Another one of the big questions I get asked is how long should you take to backpacking Australia?

My honest answer is as long as you can afford!

There are over 2,400kms between the two so you dont want to rush it – you’ll spend more time looking out of the window from a bus than enjoying Australia!

You can do it in 2 weeks if you really wanted, but personally 4 weeks is the minimum I’d recommend if you want to hit up all the main destinations and do overnight trips at both Fraser Island and Whitsundays.

Even then you’ll need to have a pretty fixed itinerary.

6 weeks is perfect as it gives you some extra time to play around with and relax. Anything more than that…well happy days you can be a bit more flexible with your plans.

Check out my full guide to How Long To Spend On The East Coast of Australia for more info and some sample itineraries.

How Much Will It Cost?

Along with when, how, and how long is how much will it all cost you?

This will vary heaps from person to person depending on all the other factors as well as what activities you want to fit in.

But as an estimate for a 4 week trip from Sydney to Cairns you’ll need around $4,136AUD – this would then include all your hostels, meals, main activities and bus pass

If you stay for longer obviously your main cost will spread out, reducing your daily spend quite a lot.

Check out my How Much To Budget For Australia post for a more detailed breakdown of all the costs so you can figure out your own personal budget.

What’s There To Do?

Why should you travel from Sydney to Cairns? What is there to do? Well the East Coast trail has some of the best things to do in Australia – here are some of the main activities you’ll want to add to your bucket list;

• Sydney Opera House
• Bondi Beach
• Blue Mountains
• Learn to surf (Byron Bay is my top pick!)
• Kayaking with dolphins (again, Byron Bay!)
• Skydiving ( go for Mission Beach )
• Noosa Everglades
• Fraser Island ( check out the best Fraser Island tours here )
• Whitsunday Islands ( check out the best Whitsundays tours here )
• White water rafting
• Cairns waterfalls
• Learn to scuba dive ( Divers Den in Cairns or Byron Dive Centre )
• The Great Barrier Reef (again Divers Den is an epic day trip for snorkelling or intro dives )

So When Are You Going?!

Phew, that’s a lot of info to take in hey? Hopefully it’s helped you get started on your trip backpacking Australia and pointed you in the right direction for some extra info to make things even easier!

And if you’d like me to personally help you plan your Australia adventure check out my Custom East Coast Trip Planner – where I’ll put together a custom itinerary for you and hook you up with some exclusive travel discounts too!

Either way, I know you’ll have an epic time travelling in Australia and whether you head there for a year long working holiday visa or a quick trip on a bigger trip I know it’ll leave you stoked for more.

So enjoy it!

Are you planning on backpacking Australia?

Anything else you’d like to know, related posts.

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I never made it to Byron Bay but always wanted to. I remember at IGA there was always a great section with healthy foods, and they almost always came out of Byron Bay.

I’ve never been to Western Australia and always wanted to. Brisbane was my favourite place. Loved that city. So beautiful and and so nice to cycle around. I rode my bicycle an entire year when I was in Australia.

My boyfriend did Sydney – Cairns in January 2017 in a campervan and had a wonderful time! His only complaint was that it was way too hot – they couldn’t do much in the afternoons, especially once they got up to Queensland. Worth considfering, but still a must-do!

Yeah northern Queensland can get pretty humid, especially in a Campervan! Glad he enjoyed it though!

My Girlfriend is from Australia, even I got to know about few of above mentioned things from her. But is very glad that you gave the whole view about Australia at once. THANK YOU!!

Great and very informative blog posted here. Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us.

I can’t wait till people are able to do this again. Travelling Australia is something so special.

Global Gallivanting

My pick of the best australia backpacker tours.

The Best Australia Backpacker Tours

There’s so much to see and do in Australia , and its such a massive, diverse and expensive country that it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out how to see it all. A great way to pack in as much as possible in a short time, be safe and have fun and make new friends is by going on one of the awesome Australia backpacker tours.

Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, cultural sites and deserts, vibrant and cosmopolitan city centres, as well as having some pretty amazing, unique wildlife. Australia is also a dream backpacker destination because many people can get a years work and holiday visa. ( Download my FREE guide to working in Australia here )

As Australia is such a dream backpacker destination there are a plethora of different tour companies out there that offer cool Australia backpacker tours specially designed for fun, young travellers. These Australia tours give backpackers the chance to tour around Oz with a group of like-minded travellers.

Whether you want to go on an East Coast Australia tour, travel through the incredible Red Centre of the country, or enjoy a West Coast Australia tour, there are so many awesome tours and holidays in Australia to choose from.

My all time favourite tour companies; G Adventures and Intrepid  both run award winning, adventurous, fun, socially responsible and affordable small group backpacking tours of Australia.  Contiki also are really well known for their fun Australia backpacker tours specially made for 18 – 35’s. Tour Radar is also a great as you can check out all the tours available from all the different companies and read reviews from previous guests.

Or if you prefer to backpack Australia independently and don’t want to take a tour, check out my perfect East Coast Australia Backpacker Itinerary post here. If you like it and want to follow the itinerary you can save money by booking activities, bus passes and accommodation in a package. My friend and fellow travel blogger Chris from Backpacker Banter put together a discounted package deal with all the cool stuff I did in East Coast Australia. You can also customize it to make your perfect package, staying at a the  backpacker hostels that I recommend.

The Best Australia Backpacking Tours, Routes and Itineraries

To help you plan your tour of Australia a bit better, here are my 10 favourite Australia backpacking tours, with the best itineraries and prices, from my favourite tour companies.

As Australia is so big, if you only have a short holiday its best to focus on one region that try to see too much as you could end up spending more time and money on travel and end up not having as much time as you’d like at the actual sights.

I’ve listed these Australia tours by region so that you can see the best tours according to what part of Australia you want to explore. Some of them are just short stints that last less than 2 weeks, while others are longer, which means you will see that much more of this amazing country!

The Best East Coast Australia Tours

East Coast Australia is the most popular Australia backpacker route as it’s home to so many iconic sights like the Great Barrier Reef , the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Byron Bay. There’s some stunning beaches, national parks, mountains and natural wonders that stretch from Cairns south all the way to Sydney. You can go on East Coast Australia tours that last anywhere from 1 week to nearly 3 weeks…

G Adventures – Most of The Coast: Sydney to Cairns – 16 Days

This East Coast Australia tour is one of the best if you want to travel up the coast and see all all the iconic sights and have a great time with like minded people while doing it.

Explore the city of Sydney, join a surf camp, hang out in Byron Bay, explore Noosa and Fraser Island, go sailing in the beautiful Whitsundays, party in Cairns and see the Great Barrier Reef.  See more details here.

Contiki – Island and Rainforest – 7 days

Hike through mangrove forests, relax on a stunning white sand beach and trek through the Daintree Rainforest. This Island and Rainforest tour of east coast Australia is a great way to explore Australia’s famous tropical coastline.

This 7 day journey starts in Cairns, taking you north through the Daintree Rainforest and to the remote Cape Tribulation. You will meet a local aboriginal guide that will teach you all about the rainforest and life within it, with the day finishing off on the beaches at Cape Tribulation. Heading back to Cairns, you will explore the city and its night market, before heading south along the coast to Townsville to see its beautiful colonial buildings.

Spend the second half of the tour enjoying the Whitsunday Coast, where you’ll relax on Airlie Beach. You can also chose to go sailing to the immaculate Whitehaven Beach, which is one of the best beaches in the whole world and one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been! Click here for more info, prices and to book.

Intro Travel – Oz Intro – 9 days

See the best of the best in the city of Sydney with a group of like-minded backpackers. This is a great tour for anyone starting a working holiday in Australia, as they help you get started and even give you access to 1,000s of job postings.

If you’re coming to Australia on a working holiday visa and have no idea where to begin, this is the perfect tour for you. You will be visiting all of the best sites in Sydney and going on a tour that is packed with adventure.

You’ll go on a Sydney harbour cruise, go jet boating at Bondi Beach and party at some of the city’s best nightclubs. This tour also includes a trip to Port Stephens where you’ll go sand boarding, feed kangaroos and stare at koalas.  Click here for more info, prices and to book.

Real Aussie Adventure – Mick Pass – Sydney to Cairns Hop On Hop Off Tour

If you’d rather travel along the east coast at your own pace, I highly recommend the Hop on hop off pass. The pass travels along the entire East Coast from Sydney north to Cairns. You can get on and off wherever you’d like along the way, spending as much time as you want at each stop. There is no time limit other than a minimum of 13 days.

But you can explore the east coast and get on and off the bus anywhere, travelling from 2 weeks to up to 3 months! You can even stay for as long as 12 months. It really is completely up to you. All you have to do is book and pay for the tour and travel at your own pace.

Plus, there are some great activities included, like wine tasting in the Hunter Valley wine region, exploring the Barrington Tops National Park and climbing Mt Tyson.  Click here for more info, prices and to book.

The Best Southern and Western Australia Tours

South Australia and Western Australia are extremely scenic areas of the country that are not so well travelled as East Coast Australia but are still packed with stunning beaches, quiet small towns and wineries. If you’re considering exploring these less travelled areas of Oz, have a look at these tours…

Intrepid – Perth to Adelaide Overland – 9 days

This phenomenal Australia backpacker tour takes you south along the west coast and east along the south coast, stopping at Wave Rock, Cape Le Grand National Park, the Nullarbor Plain and the Wadlata Cultural Centre.

You’ll go on coastal bushwalks, visit farms, swim with dolphins and see kangaroos. On this 9 day tour, Intrepid will take you to all of the best spots along these coastlines, staying in camping sites or bush camping along the way. It truly is the best tour to really immerse yourself in Australia’s outdoors.  Click here for more info, prices and to book.

Intrepid – Perth to Darwin Overland – 22 days

Go completely off the beaten track on this incredible 22 day Western Australia tour. See jaw-dropping landscapes, experience the Outback, hang out with monkeys and camp under the stars. You’ll also visit cattle stations, swim in waterholes in the Karijini National Park and snorkel above the Ningaloo Reef.

The journey begins in Perth, driving north all the way to Darwin. Along the way you’ll stop to admire the ancient rock sculptures at the Pinnacles, hike around the Kalbarri National Park, meet the Monkey Mia dolphins and enjoy a Broome sunset.

And that’s just the first half of the tour. On the second half Intrepid will take you on a drive along the legendary Gibb River Road to the Manning Gorge, El Questro Station, Purnululu National Park and Lake Argyle.  Click here for more info, prices and to book.

The Best Northern Territory Tours

This is the real outback and the best region to spot native wildlife and enjoy the vast wide-open spaces in this very unique part of the country. It’s also renowned for its Aboriginal cultural experiences and is home to the largest collection of Aboriginal art in the world!

If you really want to get away from it all and travel through the most undeveloped part of the country, then these Australia backpacker tours are a must.

Contiki – Outback Adventure – 11 days

Explore the real land ‘Down Under’ on this incredible 11 day outback Australia tour with Contiki. Not only will you be able to spot some incredible wildlife, but you’re also guaranteed to be mesmerised by the incredible scenery.

You’ll see the Florence Falls in the Litchfield National park, stare at ancient rock art in the Kakadu National Park, taste Aussie meat in Alice Springs, sleep under the stars at Kings Creek Station and stare at Uluru’s 700-million year old rocks.

On top of all of this, Contiki will also take you on a tour around Darwin, to swim in the thermal pools in Mataranka, to spot UFOs in Wycliffe Well and to have a pint at the historic Daly waters Pub. This outback Australia tour is bursting with culture, history and phenomenal scenery.  Click here for more info, prices and to book.

The Best Complete Australia Tour

If you have more time on your hands and want to see as much of Australia as possible, then you should consider going on an Australia backpacker tour that takes you to all regions across this vastly unique country. There’s no better way to get the full Ozzie experience than by going on one of these tours.

Topdeck – 27 Day Grand Aussie – 27 days

Delve into all that Australia has to offer in this 27 day Australia backpacker tour that takes you north along the east coast, into the Outback and around the Top End region of the Northern Territory. You’ll get the chance to see most of the amazingly diverse landscapes within the country, from gorgeous sandy beaches to desert rock formations.

The tour starts in Sydney and takes you along the coast north to Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Fraser island, Myella Farm and Cairns. You’ll even take a cruise to the beautiful Whitehaven Beach, walk through the Springbrook National Park, explore the Pinnacles and go scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef!

This is then followed by a flight to Alice Springs so that you can watch the sunset in Uluru, hike Kings Canyon and take a hot air balloon ride above the Outback. And things don’t end there! Topdeck will then fly you to Darwin so that you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park and the natural pool of Florence Falls. Click here for more info, prices and to book.

Amazing experiences you can only have in Queensland, Australia

My pick of the best thailand backpacking tours for an epic adventure.

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[…] B the quickest, they are costly and mean you miss out on seeing a lot of this amazing country.  Organised tours are also an expensive option and the backpacker favourite, the Greyhound bus, trundles up and down […]

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Australia Tours

Snorkel the great barrier reef, cruise the great ocean road and sail the whitsundays, popular tours.

Australia East Coast Highlights - 21 Days

• Sydney to Cairns
• Age group: 18 - 35
• Max group size: 24

Ultimate Sydney - 7 Days

• Sydney to Sydney
• Max group size: 30

East Coast Australia - 36 Days

East Coast Reefs and Beaches - 15 Days

• Max group size: 16

Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns - 16 Days

• Age group: 18 - 39
• Max group size: 20

Ultimate Australia Working Holiday Arrival Package - 8 Days

More australia, solo travel to australia, western australia, australia 18 - thirtysomethings.

Welcome to the land Down Under, where adventure awaits at every turn. Australia, a vast and diverse continent, is a paradise for explorers, nature enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers alike. With its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities, Australia is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Join us on a virtual journey as we unveil the wonders of this extraordinary country, perfect for your Australia tours and holidays.

Natural Wonders: Australia boasts some of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. Explore the iconic Great Barrier Reef, a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with colourful marine life. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Australian Outback, where vast deserts, rugged canyons, and ancient rock formations create a captivating backdrop. Don't miss the majestic Uluru (Ayers Rock), an awe-inspiring monolith that glows with fiery hues at sunrise and sunset.

Wildlife Encounters: Australia is home to an array of unique and fascinating wildlife. Get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in their natural habitat. Visit Kangaroo Island, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, to spot sea lions, penguins, and a plethora of bird species. Witness the mesmerising spectacle of whale migrations along the coastlines or head to the Daintree Rainforest to meet prehistoric-looking cassowaries and elusive tree-dwelling mammals.

Captivating Cities: Australia's vibrant cities offer a blend of modernity, culture, and laid-back charm. Start your journey in Sydney, where the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge dominate the skyline. Explore Melbourne's thriving arts scene, indulge in world-class dining, and discover hidden laneways filled with eclectic boutiques and cafes. Don't forget to visit Brisbane, the gateway to the sunny Gold Coast and the picturesque Whitsunday Islands.

Indigenous Culture: Discover the rich heritage and ancient traditions of Australia's Indigenous peoples. Learn about their deep connection to the land through immersive cultural experiences. Join a guided tour with Indigenous guides who will share stories, traditional dances, and fascinating insights into their history and customs. Walk in the footsteps of the Aboriginal people at sacred sites like Kakadu National Park and the Kimberley region.

Coastal Splendors: With over 35,000 kilometers of coastline, Australia is a beach lover's paradise. Sink your toes into the powdery white sands of the Whitsunday Islands, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and relax on pristine beaches. Experience the laid-back surf culture of Byron Bay or catch a wave at famous surf breaks along the Gold Coast. For a unique encounter, swim with wild dolphins in Western Australia's stunning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

Whether you seek adventure, natural wonders, cultural immersion, or city escapades, Australia offers an incredible array of experiences for every traveler. Embark on our Australia tours and holidays to create memories that will last a lifetime. Let us be your guide as you unlock the beauty and excitement of this remarkable destination.

Book your Australia adventure today and get ready to explore the land of endless possibilities!

What is the best time to visit Australia?

The best time to visit Australia depends on the specific regions you plan to explore and the experiences you're seeking. Due to its vast size, Australia experiences different climates and seasons across its various regions. Here's a general overview of the best times to visit different parts of Australia:

Summer (December to February): This is a popular time to visit Australia, especially for beach destinations and outdoor activities. The northern parts of the country, such as Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy warm and tropical weather during this time. It's also a great time to explore cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn in Australia offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds. It's a great time to visit destinations like the Margaret River region in Western Australia, the Barossa Valley in South Australia, or the iconic landmarks in the Red Centre, including Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Winter (June to August): Winter in Australia brings cooler temperatures, especially in the southern parts of the country. This is a great time to visit cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, as well as explore the regions of Tasmania. It's also a good time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Kangaroo Island.

Spring (September to November): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Australia, as the landscapes come alive with colourful blooms and wildlife activity. It's an ideal time to visit destinations like the Great Ocean Road, the Blue Mountains, or the national parks in Queensland. The weather is generally pleasant, but it can vary across different regions.

It's important to note that Australia's climate can vary significantly between different states and territories. For example, the tropical regions of Northern Queensland have a wet and dry season, while the southern regions experience a more temperate climate. Therefore, it's advisable to research the specific regions you plan to visit and consider their individual weather patterns when determining the best time for your trip.

Additionally, school holidays and major events can impact the availability of accommodations and increase tourist crowds, so it's worth considering those factors when planning your visit as well.

What are the must see places in Australia?

Australia is a vast country with a wide range of diverse and stunning attractions. Here are some must-see places that showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks of Australia:

Sydney, New South Wales: Visit the Sydney Opera House, explore the historic Rocks area, stroll along Bondi Beach, and take in the panoramic views from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: Embark on a snorkeling or diving adventure to witness the breathtaking marine life and vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory: Witness the awe-inspiring red monolith of Uluru, a sacred site for Indigenous Australians. Experience the changing colours of the rock at sunrise or sunset.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria: Drive along the stunning coastal route of the Great Ocean Road, featuring dramatic cliffs, the Twelve Apostles rock formations, and beautiful beaches.

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland: Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. Take a guided tour, go on a river cruise, and immerse yourself in the lush wilderness.

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory: Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Kakadu National Park, home to breathtaking landscapes, Aboriginal rock art sites, and diverse wildlife.

Melbourne, Victoria: Enjoy the vibrant city life of Melbourne, known for its art, food, and coffee culture. Explore the laneways, visit art galleries, and experience the city's lively events and festivals.

Blue Mountains, New South Wales: Venture to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the stunning scenery, including the Three Sisters rock formation and scenic lookouts.

Tasmania: Discover the rugged wilderness and natural beauty of Tasmania. Explore the pristine landscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, visit the historic Port Arthur, and indulge in delicious local produce.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia: Encounter unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions, on Kangaroo Island. Explore stunning coastlines, national parks, and picturesque landscapes.

These are just a few highlights, and there are many more incredible destinations to explore in Australia, depending on your interests and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the cosmopolitan cities, the stunning coastal scenery, or the diverse wildlife, Australia offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

Do I need a visa to enter Australia?

Yes, most visitors to Australia require a visa to enter the country. The specific visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are some common visa types for tourism and short-term visits:

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): This is an electronically stored authorisation for short-term visits, typically for tourism or business purposes. ETAs are available to citizens of eligible countries and can be obtained online. They are valid for multiple entries and allow stays of up to three months per visit.

eVisitor visa: Similar to the ETA, the eVisitor visa is also available to citizens of eligible countries. It can be obtained online and is valid for multiple entries. The eVisitor visa allows for longer stays of up to three, six, or twelve months, depending on the applicant's nationality.

Visitor visa (subclass 600): This visa is suitable for those who do not qualify for an ETA or eVisitor visa. It allows for short-term visits for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business purposes. The Visitor visa has different streams, such as the Tourist stream, Sponsored Family stream, and Business Visitor stream, each with specific requirements and conditions.

It's important to check the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website or consult with your nearest Australian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements based on your citizenship and travel plans. Applying for a visa in advance of your trip is recommended to ensure a smooth entry into Australia.

How long does it take to travel to Australia from the UK?

The duration of a flight from the United Kingdom (UK) to Australia varies depending on factors such as the departure and arrival cities, flight routes, and layovers. Here are some approximate flight times for direct flights from major UK airports to popular Australian cities:

London to Sydney: Direct flights typically take around 21 to 23 hours. Some flights may have layovers, which can extend the total travel time.

London to Melbourne: Direct flights generally take around 21 to 23 hours. Like the Sydney route, there may be flights with layovers that could lengthen the total journey time.

London to Perth: Non-stop flights from London to Perth typically take around 17 to 18 hours.

London to Brisbane: Direct flights from London to Brisbane generally take around 21 to 23 hours, with possible layovers.

London to Cairns: Flights from London to Cairns usually have one or two layovers, and the total travel time can range from 23 to 25 hours or more.

Please note that these are approximate flight durations and can vary depending on factors such as the airline, flight schedule, and any layovers. It's advisable to check with airlines or travel agents for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding flight durations and itineraries.

Is Australia a safe destination?

Australia is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. The country has a stable political system, well-developed infrastructure, and a low crime rate compared to many other countries. However, as with any travel destination, it's always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Australia:

Personal Safety: Australia is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to take common-sense precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Avoid displaying expensive items and be cautious when using ATMs or carrying cash. Use reputable transportation services and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Natural Hazards: Australia is known for its diverse and sometimes harsh natural environment. Be aware of the potential risks associated with the Australian bush, beaches, and national parks. Follow safety guidelines, obey warning signs, and seek local advice when engaging in outdoor activities.

Sun Protection: Australia has a high level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to its location near the equator and the hole in the ozone layer. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing that covers your skin. Stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Wildlife: Australia is home to unique and often fascinating wildlife. While encounters with wildlife can be a highlight of your trip, it's important to remember that some animals can pose risks. Respect their natural habitats, avoid approaching or feeding wild animals, and follow any guidelines provided by wildlife authorities.

Road Safety: If you plan to drive in Australia, familiarize yourself with the local road rules and conditions. Australia has vast distances between cities, and driving long distances can be tiring. Take regular breaks, observe speed limits, and be cautious of wildlife on the roads, particularly in rural areas.

Emergency Services: Australia has efficient emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire departments. In case of an emergency, dial 000 for immediate assistance.

It's always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances. Stay informed about local conditions and follow any travel advisories issued by your home country's government.

By taking basic precautions and being mindful of your safety, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring all that Australia has to offer.

Do I require any vaccinations to visit Australia?

No specific vaccinations are required to enter Australia unless you have visited or transited through a country with a risk of yellow fever within six days before your arrival. In that case, you may need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.

However, it is always a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling to any destination, including Australia. These may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. Vaccination recommendations may vary depending on your age, health condition, and specific travel plans, so it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine specialist for personalised advice.

It's also worth considering other factors such as the activities you plan to engage in and the regions you'll be visiting within Australia. For example, if you plan to spend time in rural or remote areas, it may be prudent to discuss vaccinations for diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid, or meningococcal disease.

It's important to note that health recommendations can change, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or refer to official sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the most up-to-date and accurate information on vaccinations for travel to Australia.

What is the local currency in Australia, and can I use credit cards?

The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). The currency is denoted by the symbol "$" or "A$". The Australian Dollar is subdivided into 100 cents, and coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as $1 and $2 coins. Banknotes are issued in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

When visiting Australia, it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases, public transportation, and other cash transactions. ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are widely available throughout the country, and major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash for situations where cards may not be accepted or for smaller businesses that may prefer cash.

Currency exchange services can be found at international airports, major cities, and tourist areas. Banks and authorised currency exchange offices offer currency exchange services, but it's advisable to compare exchange rates and fees to ensure you get a favourable rate.

If you plan to use your credit or debit card in Australia, notify your bank or card issuer in advance about your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with card usage.

Overall, accessing and using your money in Australia is typically straightforward, and the country has a well-developed banking and financial system to facilitate currency exchange and transactions.

Is Australia a good destination for solo travellers?

Yes, Australia is a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Here are some reasons why Australia is a great choice for solo adventurers:

Safety: Australia is generally considered a safe country for travellers, including solo travellers. The low crime rate and well-regulated tourism industry contribute to a safe and welcoming environment. However, it's always important to exercise common sense and take necessary precautions, just as you would when traveling alone in any destination.

English Language: English is the primary language spoken in Australia, making communication easier for English-speaking solo travellers. You'll find it convenient to interact with locals, seek information, and navigate your way around the country.

Welcoming and Friendly Locals: Australians are known for their friendly and laid-back nature, which creates a welcoming atmosphere for solo travellers. You're likely to encounter locals who are happy to offer assistance, share recommendations, and engage in conversations, making it easier to connect with people and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Varied Experiences: Australia offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to different interests. Whether you're seeking adventure in the Outback, exploring vibrant cities, or enjoying coastal getaways, there's something for everyone. You can choose to join group tours, participate in outdoor activities, or explore cultural attractions at your own pace.

Hostels and Solo Traveler Facilities: Australia has a well-established backpacking culture, with numerous hostels and accommodations that cater specifically to solo travellers. Staying in hostels can provide opportunities to meet fellow travellers, join group activities, and make new friends along the way. Many hostels organise social events, making it easy to connect with other solo travellers.

Accessibility and Infrastructure: Australia has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, making it easy to navigate and explore the country. Transportation options, including domestic flights, buses, trains, and rental cars, provide convenient access to various destinations. Major cities have efficient public transportation systems, making solo travel within cities hassle-free.

Solo-Friendly Activities: Australia offers plenty of activities that are well-suited for solo travellers. Whether it's exploring national parks, hiking trails, joining wildlife encounters, or indulging in city sightseeing, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy your own company and create memorable experiences.

Remember to plan your itinerary in advance, research the destinations you wish to visit, and consider joining organised tours or activities if you prefer a more structured experience. Always inform someone of your travel plans and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety throughout your solo journey.

Is Australia a good destination for family holidays?

Yes, Australia is an excellent destination for family holidays. Here are several reasons why:

Family-Friendly Attractions: Australia offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions and activities suitable for all ages. From beautiful beaches and wildlife encounters to amusement parks and interactive museums, there are endless options to keep children entertained and engaged.

Natural Wonders: Australia is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Families can explore iconic sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Ocean Road, and national parks like Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu. Kids can learn about unique wildlife, discover ancient rainforests, and engage in outdoor adventures.

Safe and Welcoming: Australia is considered a safe destination, making it a comforting choice for family travel. The country has well-regulated tourism facilities, reliable healthcare systems, and family-friendly accommodation options. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, ensuring a warm welcome for families.

Educational Opportunities: Australia offers educational experiences for children and adults alike. Kids can learn about Aboriginal culture, explore science and interactive exhibits in museums, and discover the rich natural heritage through guided tours and educational programs.

Variety of Accommodation: Australia provides a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options. From hotels and resorts with dedicated facilities for children to holiday homes and apartments with ample space, there are accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets.

Outdoor Adventure: Australia's vast landscape provides opportunities for outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. Families can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, or even embark on a camping trip in stunning national parks. There are also family-friendly hiking trails, water parks, and adventure parks catering to different age groups.

Cultural Experiences: Australia's multicultural society offers a chance for families to learn about different cultures and traditions. From vibrant Chinatowns to cultural festivals and events, children can experience diversity firsthand.

Accessibility: Australia has a well-developed infrastructure, making it accessible for families. Major cities have reliable public transportation systems, and domestic flights can connect you to different regions. The country also has family-friendly facilities such as stroller-friendly paths, playgrounds, and kid-friendly dining options.

It's important to plan your itinerary in advance, considering the interests and ages of your children. Check for family discounts, pack appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, and ensure you have travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations. With proper planning, Australia offers an unforgettable and enriching family holiday experience.

Is Australia a good destination for a gap year?

Yes, Australia is a popular destination for a gap year due to its diverse experiences, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here are several reasons why Australia is an excellent choice for a gap year:

Working Holiday Opportunities: Australia offers working holiday visas for young travellers from eligible countries, allowing them to work and travel in the country for an extended period. This provides an opportunity to earn money while experiencing the Australian way of life and exploring the country.

Cultural Exchange: Australia's multicultural society provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. You can interact with people from different backgrounds, learn about Indigenous cultures, and engage in local traditions and festivals.

Travel and Adventure: Australia is vast and offers a wide range of travel experiences. From the stunning beaches of the East Coast to the rugged Outback and the tropical rainforests of Queensland, there is plenty to explore. You can embark on road trips, hike through national parks, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, and participate in outdoor adventure activities.

Wildlife and Nature: Australia is home to diverse and unique wildlife. You can encounter kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in their natural habitats. Explore national parks, take wildlife tours, and witness natural wonders such as the Great Ocean Road and the ancient landscapes of the Red Centre.

Volunteer Opportunities: Australia offers various volunteering opportunities across different sectors. You can engage in environmental conservation projects, work with wildlife rehabilitation centres, contribute to community development initiatives, or participate in Indigenous cultural programs.

Personal Growth and Learning: A gap year in Australia allows you to step out of your comfort zone, gain independence, and develop valuable life skills. You can enhance your communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities while navigating new experiences and challenges.

Backpacker and Social Scene: Australia has a thriving backpacker culture, making it easy to connect with fellow travellers from around the world. You can stay in backpacker hostels, join group tours and activities, and participate in social events, creating lasting friendships and memorable experiences.

Festivals and Events: Australia hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including music festivals, cultural celebrations, and sporting events. Joining these events adds excitement and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

It's important to plan your gap year in advance, considering factors such as budget, visa requirements, accommodation, and travel logistics. Research the different regions and activities that align with your interests and goals. Take advantage of the resources available, such as online travel communities and travel agencies specialising in gap year experiences, to help plan your adventure.

What is the food like in Australia?

Australia's food scene is as diverse and dynamic as its multicultural society. From fresh seafood and succulent barbecues to fusion cuisine and artisanal delights, Australia offers a tantalising culinary experience that caters to all tastes. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we explore the flavours of this diverse country.

Fresh Seafood: With a coastline stretching thousands of kilometers, Australia is renowned for its exceptional seafood. Indulge in the catch of the day, including juicy prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, succulent oysters, and the famous Tasmanian salmon. Visit bustling fish markets in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to savour the finest and freshest seafood straight from the ocean.

Barbecue Culture: Australians have perfected the art of barbecuing, and it's an integral part of their culinary culture. Join in the fun at a beachside park or in a local's backyard, where you can savour mouthwatering grilled steaks, sausages (known as "snags"), lamb chops, and marinated seafood. Pair it with a side of fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and a dollop of tangy barbecue sauce for the ultimate Aussie feast.

Indigenous Bush Tucker: Australia's Indigenous cuisine offers a unique and authentic culinary experience. Explore the world of bush tucker, where you can sample ingredients like kangaroo, emu, quandong, bush tomatoes, and native herbs and spices. Join a guided tour or visit specialised restaurants to learn about Indigenous cooking techniques and the significance of native ingredients.

Global Fusion: Australia's multiculturalism has resulted in a vibrant fusion of global flavours. Indulge in diverse culinary delights, from Asian street food to Middle Eastern kebabs, Italian pasta, and Greek souvlaki. Visit buzzing food markets, such as Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market or Sydney's Spice Alley, to savour a melting pot of international cuisines.

Artisanal Produce: Australia takes pride in its high-quality, locally sourced produce. Explore farmers' markets and boutique food stores to discover artisanal cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables, handcrafted chocolates, and specialty products like macadamia nuts and Australian truffles. Don't forget to sample the country's world-renowned wines from regions like the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, and the Yarra Valley.

Café Culture: Australians have a deep love for coffee and brunch culture. Explore the charming laneways of Melbourne or the trendy neighbourhoods of Sydney, and you'll find an abundance of cozy cafes serving aromatic, expertly crafted coffees. Pair your coffee with a delicious smashed avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, or a classic bacon and egg roll.

Decadent Desserts: Indulge your sweet tooth with Australia's delectable desserts. Try the famous Lamingtons (sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut), Pavlova (meringue topped with fresh fruits and cream), or the creamy and rich custard-filled Vanilla Slice. For chocolate lovers, a visit to the renowned Cadbury chocolate factory in Tasmania is a must.

Australia's culinary landscape is a fusion of flavours, drawing inspiration from its multicultural heritage and abundant natural resources. Embark on a culinary journey during your visit, and you'll discover a delicious tapestry of tastes that will leave you craving for more. From local favourites to international cuisine, Australia's food scene will delight your taste buds and create unforgettable dining experiences.

Can I drink the tap water in Australia?

Yes, the tap water in Australia is generally safe to drink in most urban and rural areas. The country has strict regulations and high standards for water quality, ensuring that tap water meets the required health standards. The water supply is treated and monitored regularly to maintain its safety.

However, it's important to note that there may be some regional variations in water quality due to factors such as local infrastructure, source of water, and potential environmental influences. In remote or rural areas, it's advisable to check with the local authorities or residents about the water quality before consuming tap water.

If you have any concerns about the tap water or prefer to have additional peace of mind, you can choose to drink bottled water, which is readily available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants throughout Australia. It's important to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or when engaging in outdoor activities, so having access to safe drinking water is essential.

Additionally, if you're traveling to more remote or outback regions, it's always a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with potable water from reliable sources. Campgrounds and national parks usually have designated water points where you can fill your bottles with treated water.

In summary, while tap water is generally safe to drink in Australia, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or residents about the water quality in specific areas. Stay hydrated and choose the option that makes you feel most comfortable, whether it's tap water, bottled water, or filtered water.

What should I pack for a trip to Australia?

When packing for a trip to Australia, it's important to consider the country's diverse climate and the activities you plan to engage in. Here is a list of essential items to pack for your trip:

• Lightweight and breathable clothing for the warmer regions and seasons.
• Layered clothing, including a light jacket or sweater, for cooler evenings or if you're visiting southern regions during winter.
• Swimwear, especially if you plan to visit Australia's beautiful beaches or enjoy water activities.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring cities and natural attractions.
• Hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Australian sun.
• Travel Documents:
• Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
• Visa (if required). Check the specific visa requirements for your country of residence.
• Printed or electronic copies of travel itineraries, hotel reservations, and any other important documents.
• Electronics and Adapters:
• Power adapter suitable for Australian electrical outlets (Type I plug).
• Mobile phone and charger.
• Camera or video equipment, if desired.
• Portable charger or power bank for charging devices on the go.
• Medications and Personal Care:
• Prescription medications, sufficient for the duration of your trip.
• Personal toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary items for your specific needs.
• Basic first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any other essential medications.
• Money and Banking:
• Australian currency (AUD) in cash for smaller purchases or places that may not accept cards.
• Debit or credit cards for larger expenses and convenience. Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
• Travel Insurance:
• Comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.
• Travel Accessories:
• Lightweight daypack for carrying essentials during day trips or excursions.
• Travel guidebook or maps to help you navigate and explore your destinations.
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
• Travel locks for securing your luggage.
• Travel umbrella or rain jacket, depending on the season and your travel destinations.

Remember to check the weather forecast for your specific travel dates and destinations in Australia, as the climate can vary significantly across the country. Pack accordingly for the expected temperatures and weather conditions.

Lastly, pack with consideration for any specific activities you plan to undertake, such as hiking gear, snorkeling equipment, or specialized clothing for outdoor adventures.

By packing these essentials, you'll be well-prepared for your trip to Australia, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Why book with The Adventure People?

You may be thinking ‘why should I book with The Adventure People?’. Here are just some of the reasons we stand out:

The Best Value

Not only are our prices usually the best in the market but our leading service coupled with the financial protections we offer mean you won’t find better value anywhere else.

Your Dedicated Travel Expert

Our travel team is the best in the business and we’re not just saying that. The moment you make an enquiry we’ll pair you with your own dedicated expert who is on hand to answer your questions, look after your booking and make sure you have a fantastic time.

No Waiting Times

We only have one phone number with no automated services. When you contact us you’re straight through to a member of our team and a human! 

Financial Protection

We are ATOL certified, members of ABTA and run a Trust account for our packages ensuring you’re fully financially protected. 

Flexible Payments

We offer low deposits and monthly payment plans at no extra cost. 

We can add flights to any trip you book with us and we’re happy to help with Round The World tickets!

Accommodation

We work with wonderful accommodation providers and our team can quote almost any hotel in the world at the best prices.

Transfers & Extras

We can easily add airport transfers or extras to any booking. Our team will always quote the best possible price and be able to update your booking.

Why choose the Adventure People

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Add flights to your booking and we'll take care of the rest. You'll get 24/7 support from our team & ATOL protection.

Speak to our experts

Call or email our expert team to find out more and help with ideas and planning.

What Our Customers Say

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Communication was excellent both by email and over the phone, everyone I had contacted followed and actioned my request or answered my question politely and efficiently.

Would definitely recommend this company.

The staff are super helpful and friendly and always answer e-mails as soon as they can.

Trip achieved all my expectations!

The tour that I booked with The Adventure People met all my expectations. The local agent in Vietnam kept in regular contact with me during my trip. All of the connections worked perfectly. The hotels were all of a good standard and comfortable as well as being in a good location. Would definitely use them again

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• The Best Places To Go...

The Best Places to Go Backpacking in Australia

So you’ve arrived in Australia on a one-way ticket with your backpack full of board shorts, your wallet full of (modest) life savings and your heart full of adventure… now what? You’ll find plenty of great things to see and do, as well as a heathy population of budget travel buddies, at these 10 backpacking hot spots around Australia. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Sydney is most backpackers’ first stop Down Under, and from the moment they catch a glimpse of the sparkling harbour out of the plane window, they know exactly why they’ve come to visit. There’s the string of golden beaches that line the coast, especially backpacker precincts Bondi and Coogee in the eastern suburbs and Manly on the Northern Beaches. There’s the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. There’s the trendy neighbourhoods of the inner-west. There’s the laid-back city wedged between lush parkland and glittering harbour. What’s not to love.

Sydney’s arch rival down south lacks the Harbour City’s weather, beaches and natural beauty — but Melbourne makes up for it with superior nightlife, eateries and coffee scene. Dubbed Australia’s cultural capital and regarded as the most European city in Oz, Melbourne is loaded with treats that budget travellers will love, like the street art near Flinders St station, the alfresco dining in St Kilda, the bohemian Brunswick St in Fitzroy and the bike trails around bayside Brighton.

Great Ocean Road

No backpacking sojourn is complete without a ripping road trip, and the best strip of bitumen Australia has to offer starts on Melbourne’s doorstep. The Great Ocean Road is 244km of cliff-hugging twists and bends linking Torquay, 90 minutes from Melbourne, with Allansford close to the South Australian border — an unmissable drive taking in windswept beaches, craggy lookouts, lush rainforest and the dramatic 12 Apostles rock formation, made up of limestone pillars towering above the ocean.

If we’re talking rock formations, we need to mention a lump of sandstone in the centre of the country that’s so famous it’s known simply as ‘The Rock’. Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) is the beating heart of Australia’s Red Centre, a impressive monolith that rises 348m above the ancient outback landscape. Climbing The Rock will be banned from October 2019 but the best views are from the bottom anyway — visit at dawn or dusk to avoid the mid-day heat and see Uluru glow ochre red. A compulsory tick on every Aussie backpacker’s bucket list.

Australia’s tropical capital is a convenient launching pad to explore the natural splendour of the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks… but that’s not the only reason why Darwin is a backpacking haven. Much of the credit has to go to Mitchell St, the strip of bars, eateries, bars, watering holes, hostels, bars and then even more bars in the middle of town. The legendary local newspaper, the NT News, has published the 40 unwritten rules of Mitchell St that “you must memorise to survive a night out on the notorious Darwin party strip”, so study up.

Welcome to another tropical town that mixes world-class natural attractions, some serious partying and busloads of backpackers. Come to Cairns to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and delve into the prehistoric Daintree Rainforest — there are no shortage of tour operators who’ll help you explore them both — then stay for the string of bars and backpacking joints centred on the oceanfront esplanade.

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Airlie Beach

At the other end of the North Queensland tropics to Cairns lies Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Of course, jump on a yacht to sail around the white sand isles and the colourful reef, and embrace activities like skydives, scenic flights and scuba dives. But don’t skip spending time in Airlie itself — the palm-fringed lagoon is the focal point of town, surrounded by lively backpacker hostels, bars and relaxed beachfront eateries.

Byron is now home to the rich and famous but it used to just be a backpacker’s favourite pit stop on the well-worn East Coast route between Sydney and Cairns. There’s no denying it’s more upmarket than it used to be, but bohemian Byron is still a hub of travellers, surfers, artists and wannabe hippies hanging out at Australia’s most easterly point. A day trip to stoner capital Nimbin is also a popular option for backpackers.

Don’t be tricked by the name — the surf at Surfers Paradise isn’t nearly as good as other breaks in the area — but the Goldie offers so much more than this glitzy strip of sand. There’s the impossibly gorgeous hinterland, the equally attractive bronze-skinned locals, raucous nightclubs, adrenaline-pumping theme parks and 50-plus kilometres of beaches that span a lot further than Surfers — swimmers will love the calm water at Coolangatta and Currumbin while surfers can hang ten at Main Beach and Burleigh Heads.

Western Australia is a long way to come from the East Coast but it’s more than worth the trek. Many backpackers base themselves in Fremantle — an historic 19th century colonial port that’s been revived in recent years by fashionable bars, boutiques, markets and micro-breweries — and visit the postcard-perfect Cottesloe Beach in Perth and Rottnest Island, just a short ferry off the coast, home of turquoise beaches and the friendly quokka marsupial.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Australia

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Guides & Tips

A year down under: why i'm finally heading to australia.

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Why Travel Australia?

Still looking for a good reason to jump on a flight halfway around the world to Australia? We can’t cover them all, but here's a few to get you started; snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the incredible Whitsundays, drive 4x4’s on the largest sand island in the world - Fraser Island, skydive over some of the most pristine coastlines on earth and of course find yourself immersed in a new culture of ‘Life before Work’. Australia for some is the ultimate backpacker destination and a place you absolutely need to add to your bucket list.

Say Hello G’day Mate

Local Currency Aussie Dollar

Local Beer VB

Favourite Dish Beach BBQ

Group Travel Australia

Taking a Gap Year to Australia is truly LIFE CHANGING - doing it with a group of like minded solo travellers just adds that ‘cherry on the cake!’ Make memories that will last a lifetime without the worries or struggles of doing it alone. These gap year programs are the perfect solution for those people that hate planning and just want hassle free adventures from start to finish.

Visit the Opera House & Harbour Bridge

Get up close & personal with koalas & kangaroos, join a surf camp & catch your first wave, spot dolphins in the beautiful jervis bay, get tipsy at a wine tasting experience, explore the laneways and famous street-art, watch the cute little penguins at phillip island, get stuck into street food at the queen victoria market, time to chill at the world famous ‘bondi beach’, learn about real aboriginal culture, mix things up at a cocktail making class, pick a trip.

Welcome to Melbourne - 8 Days

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What Our Travellers Say

Share the adventure.

There really is no better way to start that working holiday experience than on one of our amazing group tours in Australia. The team will get you fully settled in to work abroad down-under. Share the adventure with people just like you.. Looking for the best possible travelling experience in Australia.

MELBOURNE STARTER PACKAGE

Heard great things about Melbourne but don’t know where to start? No worries! Our 8 day Melbourne trip is the perfect way to start that gap year in Australia.

SYDNEY STARTER PACKAGE

Looking to do a gap year or working holiday starting in Sydney? We got you! This 8 day trip is the ultimate way to kick off your backpacking adventure in Australia.

Australia FAQ's

Is it safe to travel australia.

Australia is by far one of the safest countries in the world. Crime is generally pretty low and the risk of being robbed, mugged or attacked is extremely unlikely. But, like every country in the world you do have to use basic rules of common sense and treat the locals with respect. However, the simple answer is YES, Australia is super safe to travel!

Where should I start my gap year to Australia, Sydney or Melbourne?

It all boils down to personal preference (or what your friends tell you to do 😂). We would always suggest doing your research, to help with the decision making. We've covered a whole bunch of different articles on both Sydney and Melbourne to help you decide.

But, if you want a short 1 line breakdown of each, here we go...

Sydney : Known for its famous harbour, warm weather and cosmopolitan vibe. You’ll never be far from the beach or a gym, that's for sure. Sydney beach suburbs are full of surfers and there’s always a barbie nearby.

Melbourne : Known for its hipster vibes, world famous coffee and artsy laneways. Melbourne is a city with a tonne of character & a very European flair. This multicultural city was rated ‘The World’s Most Livable City’ 7 years in a row.

Should I do a Gap Year to Australia?

There is no better country in the world to work abroad than Australia. With a working holiday visa process that is world leading and endless possibilities when it comes to finding work you’d be crazy not to do it! The work-life balance in Australia makes it such an attractive destination for students of all ages. Plus...the life experience you’ll gain from doing a year abroad in Australia is truly invaluable!

How can I travel the East Coast of Australia?

One of the absolute bucket list things to do when visiting Australia is travelling the East Coast. There are lots of different ways to do it but 1 thing is for sure...you need a place to start. 2 of the most popular places to start are Sydney and Melbourne . You can also start in Brisbane or Cairns but most travellers prefer to start south and make their way up the famous coastline.

The next most important thing to consider is ‘How’. Travelling the East Coast of Australia is commonly done either in a hop-on hop-off bus or you can rent a campervan.

I’m travelling alone, will I meet other people?

Australia is such an incredible place to travel solo, it’s safe, everyone speaks english and there are tonnes of travellers just like you living the dream down under. What makes these starter packages so popular is the hassle free experience end to end. The crew will pick you up when you arrive, get you settled in and help you plan your life for both work and travel.

What kind of people come on these group tours?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling solo or coming with a friend, the trips are full of different people from all corners of the world.

You can be a student on a Gap Year to Australia, a professional taking a short holiday from work or just deciding to go on a backpacking adventure to escape life... these Australia Group Tours are the perfect solution!

What are the benefits of travelling as a group?

Travelling Australia in a group Vs travelling solo is a very different experience. Travelling alone you often feel like you have more freedom but you will need to plan out your days to get the best of each. Travelling solo does give you the ability to have way more lazy days! Travelling Australia as a group will involve more structure in your day achieving way more than when travelling on your own.

Choosing the right travel company will allow you to not only do the tourist spots but also head off the beaten track a little more.

Another huge benefit of travelling as a group is that you will arrive and make an instant group of friends... we see groups arriving as complete strangers and leaving as best friends! Travelling solo can sometimes be a little lonely if you are not confident enough to try and make new friends each day!

Is there a Facebook Group to chat to others before we go?

There sure is! We have a whole community of over 1,000 other travellers just like you! It’s a great place to ask questions, share ideas or even upload photos from your travels. Everyone is super welcoming and always ready to help if needed. You can Join the Feel Free Family Here . You will also be invited into a WhatsApp group a week before your tour starts, this is a perfect chance to get chatting with others on the same trip.

Should I do a stopover on route to Australia?

If you’re going to travel thousands of miles across the world you might as well make an even bigger adventure out of it! With Australia being so far away from almost any other country it is very common for travellers to stopover in Asia on their way down under. We often have individuals doing at least a couple of trips in Asia before or after they travel in Australia.

How long do I need to work & travel in Australia?

You can ask this question to 10 different people and get 10 different answers. The simple answer is what's right in front of you. If you have a 1 year working holiday visa planned for Australia...use it ALL! You will only get the chance once and once it’s gone...it’s gone! You can easily cover your bucket list spots in 3-6 months leaving you 6-9 months left for working.

If you plan to do your 2nd year visa we would suggest getting the travel out the way nice and early from Melbourne or Sydney upto Cairns. That way you can do your ‘Farm Work’ up in the sunny state of Queensland!

I want to work in Australia, where do I even start?

Finding work in Australia is actually a lot easier than you might think. Like everything you just need to know where to look, how to go about it and what to expect once you start. Preparation is the secret sauce when looking for work in Australia that’s for sure! The Welcome to Sydney & Welcome to Melbourne starter packages are the best and easiest ways to get started!

How much will I get paid working in Australia?

The idea of living next to the beach in a hot & sunny Australia is already convincing enough to jump on a flight half way across the world. But what if I told you the minimum wage is a whopping AUD $19.50+ per hour, pretty incredible right? With the endless opportunities Australia has to offer coupled with a healthy salary each month...why would you not do a working holiday in Australia?!

Do I need a visa to travel in Australia?

You sure will do! There are a couple of options and we suggest you organise this sooner rather than later!

If you plan on only travelling in Australia then you’ll need a ‘Visitor Visa’.

If you intend on working whilst travelling in Australia then you’ll need a ‘Working Holiday Visa’ (417) or ‘Work and Holiday Visa’ (462), depending on which country you’re from.

You can find out more and apply for your Visa via the Australian Government website . It’s a pretty simple process but as always, slide in the DM’s if you’d like some help and advice.

Feel Free Family

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• Would just like to say a huge thank you to the guys for rearranging my Thailand trip. I have now booked Vietnam and Sri Lanka for 2022 and im very excited!! 2 Comments View
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• ‘Did we just become best friends!?’ 😆 4 Comments View
• Myself and Shelly Welly have just booked Sri Lanka for January 22 and Thailand/Vietnam for February 22, so excited!! 6 Comments View
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• Hey there! I'm not sure whether I can post this but I just wanted some advice about travel after the 15 day Vietnam trip that I'm going to do late next year. 9 Comments View
• The countdown is on for Thailand 🇹🇭 . Sent my last payment and I am pumped to see this incredible place 😍 1 Comments View
• I had the absolutely BEST time of my life last year when I went solo backpacking for the first time! It wouldn't have been nearly as fun or easy without the Feel Free family! 2 Comments View
• Awww can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since we were all in Sri Lanka for the first trip of 2020. Miss all you legends! Even you Ryan Kinsey 😉😘 7 Comments View
• Have just booked onto the Sri Lanka tour for Feb 22! Super excited! Has anyone else? 🤩 5 Comments View
• Hi everyone! Finally after months of searching I’ve found a tour that includes a bit of everything I want to do! Going to book the 15 day Thailand tour! 10 Comments View
• Just booked me and my man onto an October 2021 9 day Thailand trip. Wanted to do it for years so excited. First trip with feel free they have been so helpful already. 4 Comments View
• Waheeeeeey! Thailand feb 2022 who’s joining?! Got a couple of questions about flights Ect! So excited! 3 Comments View
• I'm looking to book sri Lanka for end of march next year. I've never done anything like this n never travelled alone before, so nervous and excited at the same time... 17 Comments View
• As requested by Mathew James Stirland, here is my photo book from Thailand. Was there exactly one year ago before all this covid mess 😩 7 Comments View
• Hey! Anyone booked on the Sri Lanka trip in April? 🇱🇰🤙 16 Comments View

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Australia is the home to ULTIMATE Adventure! Fall in love with our iconic Great Barrier Reef, Visit the Famous Sydney Opera House, Experience the Majestic Australian Outback, Explore the Vibrant Laneways of Melbourne city and more!  Whether you are thinking about taking a Gap Year, Working Holiday, Short or Extended break, our range of Australian Tour Packages, Short Adventures, Guided Tours and Work and Travel Programs are sure to give you an ULTIMATE experience. #MYULTIMATEMOMENT.

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//  This trip is the ULTIMATE way to start your gap year in Australia! Your first week in Sydney is jam packed with activities and inclusions. We’ll arrange everything you need to start your gap year so you can relax and settle into life Down Under with ease. You’ll experience all this with a group of new mates and a fun, experienced guide. This is one of our original and best selling Australia Tour Packages.

// Looking for an epic week down under? We’ll introduce you to the amazing city of Sydney; from Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains, we’ll show you all of the best spots! Explore the city, cruise Sydney harbour on our private catamaran, surf some waves in sunny Bondi, escape to the bush for a day & party the night away! And even better, you’ll be doing this all with a group of new mates!

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// Experience the Australian Outback on this iconic Red Centre tour. Visit the sacred sites of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, sleep in an Aussie swag under the stars and learn about Aboriginal history and current day Aboriginal culture.

// This Top End Australia adventure is the Ultimate way to explore the Northern Territory. Discover the iconic Kakadu, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge and the Devils Marbles on this 6-Day Traditional Camping group tour from Darwin to Alice Springs.

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// Are you ready for an Epic Australia Adventure Tour? Join us on our NEW 24 night tour experiencing the best of the East Coast and see the Australian Outback on an epic camping adventure. Start in Cairns, ends in Uluru.

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Homesickness when travelling Australia

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Australia and UK Free Trade Agreement – May Update 2023

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Stay Fit While Traveling In Australia

Australia: The Dangers and The Myths!

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Volume 31, Issue 4, May 2024

Travel and sex: addressing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Travellers are at risk of STIs. The relationship between travel and STIs is obvious, as evidenced by the histories of syphilis, HIV infection and more recently, Mpox. STIs continue to emerge. Antimicrobial resistance is a huge concern. Thus, the importance of safer sex and condom use should be re-emphasized.

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Perspective

From geosentinel data to epidemiological insights: a multidisciplinary effort towards artificial intelligence-supported detection of infectious disease outbreaks, a decalogue for personalized travel health assistance with ai-driven chatbots.

This article delves into the innovative integration of AI-driven chatbots in travel medicine, proposing a decalogue for creating effective, personalized health assistance tools with a practical example (a custom GPT, with OpenAI GPT-4).

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Novel chikungunya and dengue vaccines: travel medicine applications

Recent epidemics of dengue and chikungunya have highlighted the urgent need for vaccines to reduce the risk of infection in travellers. Given challenges with tracking chikungunya outbreaks in real-time and the widespread resurgence of dengue, broader indications for the use of the new chikungunya and dengue vaccines should be considered.

Recreational substance use among international travellers

Integrating sexual and reproductive health into pre-travel consultations, a systematic review and meta-analysis of sexually transmitted infections and blood-borne viruses in travellers, original article, intestinal protozoa in returning travellers: a geosentinel analysis from 2007 to 2019, escalating climate-related health risks for hajj pilgrims to mecca, effect of textile colour on vector mosquito host selection: a simulated field study in mali, west africa, temporal variations in international air travel: implications for modelling the spread of infectious diseases, discrepancies in dengue burden estimates: a comparative analysis of reported cases and global burden of disease study, 2010–2019, clinical pearls, lyme borreliosis in a french expatriate in india.

Lyme borreliosis is known to be endemic in temperate countries of the Northern hemisphere but is rarely reported in other regions of the world. Here, we describe a rare diagnosis in a traveller returning from India, who presented with two erythema migrans.

A case of leprosy in an immunocompromised traveller

We describe a case of leprosy in an immunocompromised Dutch male whose parents were born in a leprosy-endemic country. The use of immunosuppressive drugs in Mycobacterium leprae infected individuals therefore increases the risk of development of leprosy. Exposure and infection at a young age through his parents is another possible risk factor.

A ‘ring in ring’ skin infection in a returning traveller

A 40-year-old woman developed an itchy, expanding cutaneous lesion with two erythematous rings after visiting Senegal. Fungal culture revealed Microsporum audouinii , a fungus causing tinea corporis or capitis commonly in Africa but increasingly reported in outbreaks in Europe.

Rapid Communication

Cyclones and flooding in tropical northern australia increase the risk of exposure to melioidosis.

Due to two recent cyclones in North Queensland, leading to widespread flooding, working holiday visa holders, typically backpackers, are now permitted to assist in cleanup efforts. Melioidosis, endemic in tropical Northern Australia, is a rare but potentially fatal bacterial infection. Travel health advice for backpackers to Australia should include appropriate information.

Wastewater-based epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 new variants BA.2.86 and offspring JN.1 in South and Southeast Asia

Discover the shifting landscape of SARS-CoV-2 variants from October to December 2023, with JN.1 dominating South and Southeast Asia wastewater samples, increasing from <10% to >90%. Experience the dynamic evolution of viral strains in this period.

Protection of natural infection against reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant

Overall effectiveness of infection in preventing reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant was estimated at 1.8% (95% CI: −9.3to 12.6%), and demonstrated rapid decline over time since the previous infection, decreasing from 82.4% (95% CI: 40.9 to 94.7%) within 3 to less than 6 months, to a negligible level after one year.

Research Letter

Lack of a non-specific protective effect of prior yellow fever vaccination against covid-19.

Live-attenuated virus vaccines, such as yellow fever vaccine, exhibit non-specific immunomodulatory effects, prompting exploration of their potential impact on COVID-19 pandemic. In this retrospective study, we didn’t observe an association between prior yellow fever vaccination with SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence. In the multivariate model, no association was found with COVID-19 prognosis.

Definition and classification of ‘travellers’ in research: a bibliometric analysis

Despite the growth in the volume of vulnerable travellers globally, there has been limited research attention, underscoring the need for more evidence as these individuals are susceptible to various travel-related health risks. Additionally, we observed inconsistencies in the definition of travellers and discrepancies in travel-related publications compared to the actual travel volume.

Use of Dengvaxia® in Australian travellers: a case series

Dengvaxia is the only licensed dengue vaccine in Australia, but rarely used. We report the experience of using Dengvaxia in seven Australian travellers. Main reasons for opting for vaccination were travel to dengue-endemic regions and severe symptoms during the prior dengue infection. The vaccine was well tolerated by all travellers.

Sexually transmitted infections among pregnant Syrian refugee women seeking antenatal care in Lebanon

The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis , Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis was determined among 431 pregnant Syrian refugee women seeking antenatal care in Lebanon. Low prevalence at 0.5% for chlamydia, 0.2% for trichomoniasis and 0.0% for gonorrhoeae was detected, suggesting a low burden of sexually transmitted infection in this population.

A randomized controlled trial of two hepatitis A vaccine doses among adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Crohn’s disease on immunosuppressive therapy: a pilot study

This pilot randomized controlled trial assessed the immunogenicity of paediatric vs adult hepatitis A vaccine doses in immunosuppressed adolescents (12–15 years) with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Crohn’s disease. The study aimed to assess if a single, higher dose provides better immunogenicity, particularly before travel.

Zika infection among international students after five months in Thailand

Zika virus outbreak was traced among international students in Thailand. Testing was prompted by a single symptomatic case, which revealed seropositivity in two students. These results highlight the potential risk of Zika and emphasize the importance of implementing preventive measures for those travelling to endemic regions such as Thailand.

Letters to the Editor

Visa relaxation policies and potential implications on public health in africa.

In this article, we explore how Africa’s visa relaxation policies could transform public health landscapes, with the potential of increasing access to healthcare and collaborative disease control while also posing challenges in managing infectious disease spread amidst already porous borders. We also suggest recommendations to some of the challenges.

Correspondence

Silent spread of denv-3 in brazil: autochthonous outbreak in são paulo after 15 years.

The high incidence of dengue in Brazil and re-emergence of DENV-3 in São Paulo after a 15-year absence, coupled with the potential risk for DENV-4, may be the results from changing climate patterns favouring Aedes mosquito proliferation, allied by the resuming of domestic and international travels.

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Home » Oceania » Australia » 10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

10 EPIC Australia Road Trips: Big, Bold, and Beautiful

Australia: a continental landmass of crocodile-wrestling locals, man-eating dropbears, and gigantic expanses of endless red dirt. Maybe only one of those things is true.

That said, there is truly, truly massive amounts of red dirt. On any Australian road trip through its gargantuan “Red Centre”, you will see endless horizons of ochre hues. Words cannot describe the scope of this untameable land.

In Australia, one can easily drive for days on end without the scenery changing at all and with only the occasional roo – jumping out in front of the car on a suicide mission – to break up the routine. But if you can handle the distances and duck the kamikaze kangaroos, the country can be one hell of a setting for some epic Australian road trips.

Of course, embarking on Australia’s road trips isn’t so simple. First, you’ll need a vehicle. You’ll also need to manage the equally untameable cost of travelling in Australia. (Damn you fuel prices in Oz!)

And of course, you’ll need to decide on which of the best road trips in Australia you’ll be Mad Max-ing. Spoiler: they’re all bloody magnificent.

So that’s why I’ve written this guide to travelling Australia by car (or van). A roundup of the most epic Australian road trips you can possibly sink your teeth and adventurer chomps into!

Fire her up cause we’re headin’ out back, mate.

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Exploring Australia: Prepping for the Road Trip

Top 10 epic australia road trips: she’ll be right, 10. kangaroo island, some safety advice for australia, let the great australia road trip commence.

The word Australia is now pretty much synonymous with the word “backpacking”. This is primarily because countless backpackers from all around the world now flock here annually, either to take long working holidays (yay for obscenely high minimum wages) or to try and start a new life.

Meanwhile back in the rest of the world, (certainly in India, South-East Asia and South America) it often feels like most of the other backpackers you meet are Australian (closely followed by Germans then Israelis). In summary Australia = Backpacking . Right?

Despite this, the former prison colony has still not really been properly explored save by only a handful of very brave and foolish souls. Australia is massive, it’s red, it’s angry, and it’s often damn well deadly and therefore, most folks (residents and visitors alike) end up sticking to the coastlines .

However, if you want to discover the real Australia then you need to head away from the beach and into that deliciously daring ‘outback’ . For a proper adventure, you gotta get away from humanity and into the sheer undulating arid heat. If you’re going to do that, then you’re going to need to get yourself a car and set off for an epic road trip in Australia.

The road is calling (here are a few inspiring road trip quotes , just in case you need any more motivation).

How to Travel Australia by Car

Firstly, you will need a driving licence . A serious traveller may even want to get an International licence although most “Western” licence (US, EU, etc.) will be perfectly valid down under . Be sure to get this back in your home country because everything is expensive in Australia.

You’re also going to need a vehicle for a road trip in Australia – no brainer! There are three ways to go about this:

• Hire a car or van in Australia – Renting a car in Australia is easy albeit expensive and much better suited to a short trip. There are heaps of car rental services in Australia but I recommend JUCY Rentals . They’ve been in the game as long as I remember; parked by the beaches of Byron Bay is a time-honoured Australian tradition almost as much as a beer and fish and chips. Probably also in Byron.
• Buy a car or van –  This is option two and the true backpacker way to have a road trip in Australia. Backpackers buying and reselling vehicles in Australia is incredibly common (given the sheer scope of Australia) and acquiring a pre-loved gypsy warhorse and selling it again later is super viable. The best way to go about this is through online listings: social media groups, car sales websites, Gumtree , traveller/hostel message boards, or even dipping into your personal network.
• Steal a car or van – Jokes, don’t do that. Remember how I said Australia was an ex-prisoner colony. Dem fuckers be crazy.

Travel Australia by Van or Car

Right, so you may have noticed how I specified van  OR  car. That’s because both are viable, however, I do have a special love in my heart for living and travelling in a van. And truth be told, Australia’s barren empty wilderness and endless beaches are simply built for the vanlife.

Ultimately though, the choice is yours. A car is cheaper to acquire (generally) and requires less mechanical knowhow, but you won’t have the sheer magnificent awesomeness a home with wheels. That said, vans can be absolute primadonnas and konk out on you at the worst possible time so it’s a matter of choice and desire.

Lastly (and most importantly), it is worth noting that not ALL of Australia will be open to you in a standard van or car. A lot of Australia’s landscape is incredibly harsh and some of the absolute best road trips will only be doable with a four-wheel drive.

Either way, the vehicle type you choose is going to affect your packing for the great Australian road trip . To that end, here is some more recommended reading:

Car Camping in Australia Resources:

• The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List
• The Camping Master Checklist
• Best Budget Backpacking Tents
• Best Sleeping Bags
• And don’t forget a sleeping pad!

Van Travel in Australia Resources

• The Full Guide to Vanlife
• Campervanning in New Zealand Guide

(Yes I know it’s New Zealand but bar the much smaller scope and lack of murderous animals, the countries are quite comparable.)

Oh, and here’s a kickass post discussing the cost of a road trip in Australia . Ta-dah!

A Word on Australian Visas

Pretty much everybody will need a visa to enter Australia. The immigration policies and staff are zealous and you will be given the once over.

Travellers from most Western Countries can enter for tourism purposes on an Australian ETA (subclass 601) . Whilst these are amongst the easiest type to obtain, do remember to apply before you fly or you risk deportation

Ok, no more blabber-blabber: the best road trips in Australia! Let’s hop to it and get this show on the road!

So. Many. Puns.

So. Little. Time.

1. Gibb River Road – Western Australia

Accessible only by four-wheel drive, and completely impossible to do in the wet season, this road is one hell of an adventure. Bringing you 660 km down a dirt track from Broome to Kununurra , you’re likely not to see another soul on the road.

Countless waterfalls and natural springs greet you along the way – just make sure to check for freshwater crocs before you hop in! It’s one of the best routes you can take for an Australian road trip.

2. Cairns to Cape York – Queensland

At the northernmost tip of Australia, practically touching Papua New Guinea, lives a place called Cape York . Far from the backpacker trail, it’s an amazing place to explore. (Other than the saltwater crocodiles lurking in the water. Australia’s wildlife: the reoccurring theme of this guide).

The road travels down dirt roads with many river crossings, so you definitely need a four-wheel drive, much like most of the best spots in an Australia road trip. As you travel up from Cairns , you’ll pass through Cape Tribulation – a tiny town nestled in the rainforest, with the Great Barrier Reef a mere 30-minute boat ride away. It doesn’t get more idyllic than that.

3. Darwin to Uluru – Northern Territory

While this one can be done with an ordinary two-wheel drive vehicle, the route is definitely far from ordinary. A hundred kilometres south of Darwin , you’ll reach the gorgeous Litchfield National Park . With more waterfalls than you can handle, a ton of different bush walks, and a unique (and odd) type of termite mound, you could spend weeks in the park.

Continuing south you’ll get a true taste of the Outback, with roads stretching far into the horizon. But don’t worry, you won’t get bored; those suicidal kangaroos will keep you on your toes as you cruise to the red hot centre of Australia. Be sure to stop in at Alice Springs on your way to Uluru – yes, the famous giant red rock – to check out some traditional Aboriginal art  as well as the stunning views you won’t catch anywhere else on earth. You’ll find a few great hostels in Alice Springs as well. A great route to choose for an Australia road trip!

4. Great Ocean Road – Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is widely mooted as the “greatest” amongst the epic Australian road trips, and one of the best road trips in Victoria . For all those in love with the ocean, this road is an absolute must. Gliding along from every surfer’s paradises to massive plunging cliffs, the road is nothing short of spectacular.

Starting 275 km west of Melbourne , you’ll find the world-famous Twelve Apostles , where huge rock stacks rise from the waves. Love surfing (or the movie Point Break)? Get to Bells Beach , the setting of the last scene of the film, as well as Rip Curl’s surfing competition.

Be sure to stop in at some of the villages along the road as well; from Victorian-era buildings to small fishing communities, there are some great destinations along the Great Ocean Road.

5. The Greater Blue Mountains Drive – New South Wales

Mountains in Australia? Blue mountains ? Yep, they’ve got more than just kangaroos and koalas out there.

Taking you from the metropolis of Sydney right up the middle of the Blue Mountains , this drive is anything but ordinary. From Jenolan Caves , filled with crazy limestone formations, to the Three Sisters rock formation in Katoomba , you will find plenty to do in the area.

And if you get bored of the main route, no worries! The Bluies (a bit of local lingo for ya there) is an absolutely massive mountain range with awesome hostels to stay at tonnes of branching tracks:

• Running from Sydney to Lithgow is the Great Western Highway (the main route).
• Parallel to the Great Western on the other side of the Grose Valley is Bell’s Line of Road .
• There are heaps of dirt roads and fire trails running into the bush everywhere to explore.
• And tonnes of branching roads in other directions. Check out the  Megalong Valley or head towards  Oberon for some more eye candy.

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Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

6. The Nullarbor Plain – West Australia

The long road to Perth takes in 2000km of red Australia at its harshest. It’s flat, it’s long, it’s arid, and it’s a big wide open space so don’t get acrophobic on me now. It’s also an utterly rewarding adventure and one of the best of the epic Austrian road trips you can do.

It’s fair to say that doing the proper crossing of Australia by car is both an Australian and backpacker rite of passage. Take a friend or get used to your own company because it’s a lonely journey and not for the faint of heart. But my god is it a journey.

If, however, this all sounds like too much then see number 7.

7. Tasmania’s Heritage Trail

Tasmania is Australia’s best-kept secret. The region boasts beauty in abundance but has somehow escaped consumption by the backpacker trail. It’s also a lot smaller and compact to travel; like a miniature New Zealand!

This was once the gateway to Australia and was where the original convict chain-gangs were set to work colonising the country. The highwaymen that once haunted these high-ways and by-ways are now gone but you still need to be mindful of those damn roos who may surprise you! This is quite a short and pleasant drive – it’s a lot greener too – so is the perfect contrast to the above Australian road trip.

8. The Alpine Way – New South Wales

Did you know you could fit the entirety of old Wales into New South Wales several times over? However, this route is only 121km long so should only take you a day (plus stops).

The best time to come here is in early spring when the snow is melting (yes, Australia gets snow) but you still get the alpine scenery. There are also loads of great, and safe, places to wild camp along the way.

9. Sydney to Melbourne

Ok, so we did kind of dissed the folks who stick to the coast back there. However, the reality is that if you’re gonna fly all the way to Australia, you will most likely either fly to Sydney or to Melbourne first – two of the best places to stay in Australia . Therefore you may as well make a road trip out of it, right?

There are loads of little coastal towns along the coastal route (think Summer Bay from Home & Away) as well as idyllic little spots for fishing and bird watching. This trip is also perfect if you’re short on time, an inexperienced explorer or if your car is not up to the harder, inland roads.

If the mainland somehow feels too big, then take the ferry from Adelaide across to Kangaroo Island . As the name suggests, it’s an almost untouched animal sanctuary so you can expect more kamikaze kangaroos then we care to mention. To battle stations, comrades: they’re rebelling!

You can take your car onto the ferry (it’s the same deal for Tassie by the way) but if you are renting one, please check that the rental company allows you to do this.

Seriously, there’s a whole other post in this but ok. Pickpockets, terrorists, murderers: these aren’t a concern so much in Australia (Ivan Milat notwithstanding) . There are other concerns, however. Especially for travellers unwitting to Australia’s harshness.

The wildlife is, of course, the bad joke of the global community. Crocs, jellyfish, snakes, spiders, sharks… hell, an emu can kill you if it wants. Generally, you stay away from them, then they’ll stay away from you. The big exception is crocs.

Any area where crocs are common in the water (northern areas of Australia in particular), be hella safe swimming. In fact, probably just don’t swim. If a croc gets you, you’re dead: end of story. Australia isn’t some landscape of bloodthirsty man-eating monsters like people seem to think, but you need to pay attention.

Next, swimming safety. A lot of the beaches are rough and tourists have died going past their limits. Be careful swimming on Australia’s beaches: swim between the lifeguard’s flags, watch out for surfers, and if you get stuck in a rip, let it take you until it subsides. Common sense prevails when swimming in Australia.

Are you done, Dad?  No. Two more things

One More Thing: Australia Road Trip Safety

Road trips in Australia are very different from the States, Europe, or most other places for that matter. Maybe it’s comparable to a hot Siberia.

Populated coastlines are different but in rural areas and especially in the Outback, there are a number of things to be careful about:

• Supplies –  Always have enough food, petrol (including extra tanks),  WATER ; it’s quite possible to go days without seeing another human in Australia’s most vast areas and if you breakdown without these things, she’ll probably not be right.
• Stop, revive, survive – Famous safety motto in Australia: take frequent rest breaks and naps if necessary when driving. It’s actually amazing how many people die on Australia’s long, straight, empty roads – counter-intuitive, right? It’s easy to lose concentration when you’ve been driving in a straight line staring at the same dot on the horizon for 6 hours. It’s easy to fall asleep at the wheel and flip your car or smash into a pole at 120+km/h. Be smart.
• Watch out for wildlife –  All the jokes aside about suicidal kangaroos, imagine hitting one. That can be 6+ feet and 80+ kilograms of proper red-blooded Australian muscle and bone crunching your bonnet and coming through your windshield. It’s the same as hitting a person. Hitting wildlife on an Australian road trip can be just as bad for you as it is for them. Plus, they’re so damn cute! Just watch out for them.
• Roadside Drug Testing –  Can be common in some states and areas and the laws are an absolute mess. Just sayin’…

Last Thing! Get Insured Before Travelling to Australia

What if the kangaroos really do form an army and rise up. Do you know how many kangaroos there are in Australia? We’ll never stand a chance!

Na, you’ll be fine. You know why? Because you’re a smart cookie and you got travel insurance!

A wise man once said that if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t really afford to travel – so do consider backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure! Traveling without insurance would be risky. I highly recommend World Nomads .

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There! Done dad-ing you now. Now you can go and get yourself killed in Australia!

Kidding! You’re not gonna die. You’re gonna have an amazing time. You’ll see some sights like no where else in the world, you’ll face some challenges that’ll help you grow, and at the end of it you’ll say:

“Strewth, mate! Too bloody right. That was pretty fuckin’ orright!”

Have fun, amigos. Australia is truly breathtakingly beautiful and she offers something no other country in this world can. Truly, she is special.

So go hit her up! Take her for a drive – some epic Australia road trips – and go see something you never have before! Take some weed too. It’s a long fucking drive.

Updated: February 2020 by Ziggy Samuels at Zigz Writes Things .

Aiden Freeborn

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Backpackers demand right to squat in flood-affected Lismore houses

Overseas backpackers and itinerant workers are heading to Lismore to squat in flood-affected houses.

The properties involved are among 623 purchased by the New South Wales government's Reconstruction Authority as part of the buyback program introduced after the devastating floods of 2022.

The ABC has been told the people learned homes in the area were vacant via a loose social network formed at Tasmania's Rainbow Gathering festival in March.

Katherine Hull from the UK, who is in Australia on a working-holiday visa, is among the squatters occupying a house on Pine Street, North Lismore.

"In Tasmania I met some lovely family at the Rainbow Gathering … and we all kind of spread across Australia, did our separate things and ended up in the Northern Rivers," she said.

"We all needed a place to stay and slowly migrated into Pine Street."

Ms Hull said she wanted others to have the same opportunity.

"I think it is a priority that these houses should be lived in, looked after, brought to life," she said.

'Ghost town' needs to be filled

New Yorker Emma O'Shea, also in Australia on a working holiday visa, is living in the same house, which she heard about through Rainbow Gathering connections.

"There's different groups and chats you can get into, whether it's WhatsApp or Facebook — it's like a community network," she said.

"That's the idea of [Rainbow Gatherings], to kind of create spaces to take care of each other and make sure that everyone has the basic necessities."

Lismore local Dylan McConville, a supporter of the Pine Street squatters, said the international flavour of the group was a welcome addition to the community.

"It means bringing new people, new culture, new different arts, new, different ideas and vibrancy to a community that's been really suffering in the last year," he said.

"We have a ghost town that needs to be filled."

About half of the 20 people at a protest organised by community group Reclaim Our Recovery were from overseas, six of whom said they were living in two neighbouring houses in Pine Street in North Lismore.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority said it had identified four properties in Pine and Bailey Streets that were being occupied by squatters who were not the original residents.

'Homelessness' of buyback system

The Resilient Homes buyback program is one of the most visible changes to Lismore since the 2022 floods.

It has seen the city become littered with fenced-off, boarded-up houses awaiting demolition or relocation.

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said there was a reason the homes were unoccupied.

"That's because they've been bought back by the government to hopefully relocate them to new sites or, for the structurally unsound houses, to actually demolish them," he said.

"People are putting themselves and their friends at risk if they think that they can advertise for people to come to Lismore and live in these currently disused homes."

But Reclaiming Our Recovery has supported the occupants at Pine Street because of a fear that many of the timber homes affected by the floods will be destroyed.

"There's plenty of locals who are experiencing the homelessness of the buyback system," said Reclaiming Our Recovery spokesperson Andrew George.

"It's for them that this is advocating and drawing attention to an issue that needs to be remedied."

NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) said in a statement to the ABC that those squatting in the homes had been offered alternative accommodation.

"The RA has been working with Homes NSW and the NSW Police force with a view to having the persons leave those houses voluntarily," a spokesperson said.

"This has included the offer of alternate and more appropriate housing solutions — an offer which has so far been refused."

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